First things first. This is not the 23 we can expect Louis Deacon to send out against France or New Zealand over the following two weekends, (see below).
As usual the official announcement avoids any mention of possible niggles or longer term injuries, so we have to assume it is an open selection based on a three-match programme.
If that is so, then Amy Cokayne, Claudia Macdonald and Ellie Kildunne (none in the 23), have to kick their heels for another week. But Cokayne’s absence is a concern; it’s quite a while since she last appeared.
The problem of fitting all the backs in means that Helena Rowland resumes at No 15 to allow Meg Jones a run at outside-centre. It doesn’t need Emily Scarratt to remind us that that position requires the most demanding defensive skills. Attack is another matter; the England back seven have pace and cunning to spare.
The management’s policy means a first start for Ella Wyrwas at 9 and a possible debut for Daisy Hibbert-Jones in the back-row. Congratulations to them. Wyrwas has the advantage of having partnered Holly Aitchison at Saracens.
For me it’s a huge relief to see Alex Matthews installed at No 8. She brings so much to the game and allows the skipper to return to No 7, where she can have the greatest influence on events.
Last time out England really struggled to see off Canada 29-15. The aim this time, spoken or unspoken, must be to keep a clean sheet and put a stack of points on the underprepared Australians. The time for excuses is behind us now.
To show how times are changing, the starting Fifteen contains precisely two players with over 50 caps.
The Squad
15 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 25 caps)
14 Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 37 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 15 caps)
11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 30 caps)
10 Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 22 caps)
9 Ella Wyrwas (Saracens, 3 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 39 caps)
2 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 11 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 22 caps)
4 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 11 caps)
5 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 45 caps)
6 Maisy Allen (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (captain, Saracens, 96 caps)
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 59 caps)
Bench
16 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 7 caps)
18 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 2 caps)
19 Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury, 32 caps)
20 * Daisy Hibbert-Jones (Loughborough Lightning)
21 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 64 caps)
22 Sophie Bridger (Saracens, 1 cap)
23 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 5 caps)
*uncapped
