England Women's team announced for RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland
England’s Amy Garnett and former England captain Catherine Spencer, who share a massive 155 caps between them, return to the starting line-up at hooker and No. 8 respectively. Richmond’s Rachael Burford, meanwhile, gets her first start of the season at centre with Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt moving to full back in place of Danielle Waterman.
England head into Sunday’s match on the back of three wins from three outings against Wales, Italy and France. They are still on course to defend their grand slam crown, which if they are successful will see them secure a record sixth title.
Street said: “Both Catherine and Amy have got a tremendous amount of experience between them, and especially of playing at Twickenham. Bringing them back into the starting line-up is a big boost. They have started the last two games on the bench so this is their opportunity to make a big impression on the game.
“I have also called Rachael Burford back into the starting line-up. Again she has a lot of experience under her belt while this also gives us the opportunity to experiment a little, moving Emily Scarratt to full back, the position where she initially starting playing at.”
While England top the Six Nations table, Scotland languish at the bottom having failed to secure a win so far, though their recent 22-5 defeat to Ireland saw the Scots up their game.
Street added: “Scotland had a slow start to the Six Nations but they are now building momentum, including their recent game against Ireland. They are strong up front, and have some big ball carrying forwards. They have also got a new talented kicking full back, which means we have got to make sure we don’t give away too many penalties and give her any opportunities.”
The last time England played at the home of England Rugby was in 2009 and a record crowd of over 12,000 people watched the Red Roses defeat the reigning world champions New Zealand.
Once again, the gates of Twickenham Stadium will open for free entry to members of the public following the conclusion of the men’s Calcutta Cup. Street is hoping that once again the fans will come out to support England. He said: “Twickenham is the home of England Rugby and the players are always very proud to play at Twickenham. After so many people watched our last game here, and the massive success of the world cup, I hope as many people as possible will stay on to watch England take on their Celtic rivals.”
The match will also be shown live on the BBC Red Button (excluding freeview).
England
15 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester)
13 Rachael Burford (Richmond)
12 Kimberley Oliver (Bristol)
11 Francesca Matthews (Richmond)
10 Katy Mclean (C) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
9 La Toya
Mason (Wasps)
1 Rochelle Clark (Worcester)
2 Amy Garnett (Saracens)
3 Sophie Hemming (Bristol)
4 Rebecca Essex(Richmond)
5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps)
6 SarahHunter (Lichfield)
7 Heather Fisher(Worcester)
8 Catherine
Spencer (Bristol)
Replacements:
16 Emma
Croker (Richmond)
17 ClairePurdy(Wasps)
18 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)
19 Margaret Alphonsi (vc) (Saracens)
20 Georgina Rozario (Lichfield)
21 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
22 Danielle Waterman (Worcester)
England’s RBS 6 Nations Fixtures
Wales v England Feb 6
Cross Keys RFC
WON 0-19
England v Italy Feb 12 Esher RFC WON 68-5
*England v France Feb 27 Worcester RFC WON 16-3
** England v Scotland March 13 Twickenham Stadium KO 515pm
Ireland v England March 18 Ashbourne RFC KO 730pm
* Live on Sky Sports
**Free entry to Twickenham Stadium after men’s Calcutta Cup clash & live on BBC Red Button (not inc. Freeview)
