Importance Score: 12 / 100 🟠
England vs Scotland: Women’s Six Nations Rugby Preview and Team News
Leicester is set to host today’s Women’s Six Nations clash between England and Scotland, a match crucial for England’s Grand Slam aspirations. Having secured three bonus-point victories already in the tournament, England are strong favourites against a Scotland side looking to cause an upset. Scotland, however, faces an uphill battle, having not triumphed over the Red Roses since 1999 and historically struggling in the Six Nations. Injury setbacks further weaken the Scottish squad, compounded by a recent defeat to Italy. Bookmakers are currently offering odds of 200-1 for a Scottish victory, highlighting the anticipated challenge.
Team Lineups and Changes for England vs Scotland Clash
Head coach John Mitchell has opted for significant changes for England, signaling an experimental approach while aiming for victory in this Women’s Six Nations encounter. Nine alterations have been made to the starting XV, with Jade Shekells earning her inaugural start at inside-centre. Marlie Packer will feature at openside flanker, and Maddie Feaunati returns at No 8. Captain Zoe Aldcroft is the sole player to have started every match in this year’s tournament, continuing at No 6. Rosie Galligan, Sarah Bern, and Kelsey Clifford also rejoin the starting lineup for England.
In the Scotland camp, injury forces changes. Captain Rachel Malcolm is unavailable due to concussion. Consequently, head coach Bryan Easson has made two adjustments: Jade Konkel steps in at No 8, and Caity Mattinson takes over scrum-half duties as Leia Brebner-Holden is also concussed. Evie Gallagher shifts to blindside flanker in Malcolm’s absence.
England Team Lineup
England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Shekells, MacDonald; Aitchison, L Packer; Clifford, Atkin-Davies, Bern, Galligan, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), M Packer, Feaunati.
Replacements: Campbell, Botterman, Muir, Talling, Matthews, Hunt, Rowland, Scarratt.
Scotland Team Lineup
Scotland: Rollie; Lloyd, Orr, Thomson, McGhie; Nelson (capt), Mattison; Young, Skeldon, Clarke, Bonar, Boyd, Gallagher, McLachlan, Konkel.
Replacements: Martin, Bartlett, Poolman, Ferrie, Bell, Clarke, Phillips Scott.
France Overcome Italy in Women’s Six Nations
In a preceding Women’s Six Nations fixture, France mounted a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Italy 34-21. This triumph preserves France’s unblemished record in the competition and sets the stage for a potential Grand Slam decider against England.
Joanna Grisez’s early try provided France with a rapid start in Parma. However, the game shifted when French lock Madoussou Fall received a sin-bin penalty for a high tackle. Italy capitalised, taking a 21-12 lead into halftime with tries from Vittoria Vecchini, Aura Muzzo, and Silvia Turani, although Morgane Bourgeois also scored for France.
France regrouped after the interval, securing a bonus point through tries from Romane Ménager and Marine Ménager. Alexandra Chambon, a replacement player, then sealed the victory with a try in the closing moments. This result positions France for a high-stakes encounter against England on April 26, which could determine the Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam winner.
Match Preamble: England Aim for Dominance
England enters this Women’s Six Nations match with a clear objective: to maintain their winning streak and build momentum towards a potential Grand Slam. For England head coach John Mitchell, this tournament phase is about finding equilibrium. While exploring fresh team combinations and partnerships in preparation for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup this summer is crucial, solidifying a consistent team and refining established partnerships remains a high priority. Ultimately, securing victory and further silverware is also a key goal for the Red Roses.
England is widely expected to secure a convincing win against Scotland. However, they have faced challenges during this year’s Six Nations, emphasizing the need for precision, seamless play, and effective execution in today’s match.
Kick-off: 4.45pm BST.