John Mitchell has announced his team to face Scotland unusually early.
This helps to confirm that he had his selection plans worked out well in advance, delayed only by reports from the medical staff.
This is his squad:
15 Ellie Kildunne 14 Abby Dow 13 Meg Jones 12 Jade Shekells 11 Claudia Macdonald 10 Hollie Aitchison 9 Lucy Packer 1 Kelsey Clifford 2 Lark Atkin-Davies 3 Sarah Bern 4 Rosie Galligan 5 Abbie Ward 6 Zoe Aldcroft (captain) 7 Marlie Packer 8 Maddie Feaunati
16 May Campbell 17 Hannah Botterman 18 Maud Muir 19 Morwenna Talling 20 Alex Matthews 21 Mo Hunt 22 Helena Rowland 23 Emily Scarratt
That means nine changes from the Ireland game and another chance for players to contend for a place in the final rip-snorter at Twickenham.
The most noticeable change is a first start for Jade Shekells at No 12. That is a huge tribute to her, reminding us of her increasingly important role for Worcester Warriors before their demise. No two players offer the same style of play, but she and Tatyana Heard are as similar in approach as is possible.
It’s Hollie Aitchison’s turn to wear the 10 shirt. It’s only a suspicion of mine that she is Mitchell’s preferred choice. Helena Rowland got the nod in Round One; since then Zoe Harrison has held sway. She had a masterful game in Cork. Next week will tell us how wrong I am in divining the future.
I am relieved to see Kelsey Clifford given another chance at loose-head. As I suggested in my previous review, in the absence of Mackenzie Carson it’s vital for England to have two experienced operators there.
May Campbell is in line for another cap at hooker, with Amy Cokayne missing through injury. After many seasons of devastating form for Sarries she thoroughly deserves it.
This will be the first time this season that all three team leaders, Aldcroft, Jones and Marlie Packer, appear in the starting XV together.
Once more the bench looks dauntingly strong. I’ll let you know when next it doesn’t. It’s a sign of the times that England’s greatest player squeezes into the 23 in the last place, ready to appear in her home county.
Bryan Easson hardly needed this early confirmation of opposition strength. His Scottish team failed to produce the goods against Italy at home in Edinburgh last week, so can’t expect many favours at Welford Road.
Since the pack couldn’t gain or maintain dominance over their Azzurre opponents, we may wonder how much possession they can secure. Easson had added Gemma Bell to his training squad.
Match details:
Date: Saturday 19 April
Kick-off: 16.45 BST
Venue: Mattioli Woods Stadium, Leicester
