England selected an unchanged starting lineup for Sunderland’s Rugby World Cup opener with the US on Friday.
If Scarat appeared from the bench on Friday, it marks her fifth Rugby World Cup. Apart from Scarat’s inclusion, however, there have been no changes from the side that beat France 40-6 on August 9 in the final match of Red Roses before the World Cup with the World Cup, where Helena Roland dropped out.
England has only lost one match in the last 60 matches, making it a clear favourite for the 2025 competition.
It took place in the final Rugby World Cup final, but Friday’s match begins their journey at their home competition as they return to England and try to regain the biggest trophy of the sport.
The team sees John Mitchell’s name Zoe Aldcroft adds her to the backrow as captain of Alex Matthews and Sadia Caveya.
Abby Lowe and Molwena are gathering second row at the front line with Hannah Botterman, Amy Cocaine and Maud Muir.
Natasha “Moe” Hunt and Zoe Harrison are partnering up half-backs with Megan Jones and Tatiana, who they heard at the center. Jess Bleach, Abby Dow and Ellie Kildonne form the back three. Kelsey Clifford, Maddie Finati and Emma Singh will make their World Cup debuts from the bench if they get the chance.
“We’ve been well built into the tournament, but now we’re excited to go ahead with the campaign,” Mitchell said.
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“We know that Sunderland has been an incredible host city so far and will be a record crowd for the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which shows the area’s rugby and future competition appetite.
“We need to accept this opportunity, stay where our feet are and earn the right to go through the pool stage.”
The US also nominated their teams for the match. Eleven players made their World Cup debuts.
Ilona Maher, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Tahlia Brody and Emily Henrich are four debutants in the starting lineup, with seven others looking to influence the bench.
England Team:
Red rose: Ellie Kildinne, Abby Dow, Megan Jones, Tatiana Heard, Jess Bleach, Zoe Harrison, and Natasha Hunt. Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, Maud Muir, Morwena Talling, Abbie Ward, Zoe Aldcroft (Captain), Three Kabeya, Alex Matthews
Alternatives: Lark Atkin-Davies, Kelsey Clifford, Sarah Bern, Rosie Galligan, Maddie Feaunati, Lucy Packer, Emily Scarratt, Emma Sing