Maddie Feaunati will make her first Check begin for England when the Purple Roses tackle France in Gloucester on Saturday.
Head coach John Mitchell has made simply two adjustments from the aspect that secured a Six Nations Grand Slam-clinching victory over France in Bordeaux final season.
Exeter flanker Feaunati is considered one of them, changing the injured Sadia Kabeya, whereas centre Helena Rowland takes over from Megan Jones, who can also be sidelined.
The 22-year-old Feaunati made 5 appearances as a substitute throughout the 2024 Six Nations, however now options within the again row from the beginning alongside captain Marlie Packer and quantity eight Alex Matthews.
On the bench, England Beneath-20 skipper Lilli Ives Campion is poised for a primary cap, whereas a fiftieth Purple Roses look awaits Zoe Harrison. Bristol prop Sarah Bern can also be among the many replacements after lacking the Six Nations on account of damage.
Saturday’s conflict is the primary of two video games for England – in addition they host New Zealand on September 14 – earlier than beginning their WXV 1 marketing campaign in Canada.
The WXV 1 match sees England dealing with america on September 29, adopted by appointments with New Zealand and Canada.
Mitchell stated: “We are excited to get started after the girls being outstanding in raising their standards and growing their resilience in pre-season.
“The ladies simply need to play and now we have chosen to host world-class opponents for us to be challenged and to enhance our sport heading into WXV and an thrilling 2025.
“I have fond memories of playing for the All Blacks at Kingsholm and winning my first game as Sale coach there.
“It’s a particular place and this weekend the women have a chance to make their very own reminiscences collectively.”
England team to play France: Ellie Kildunne; Abby Dow, Helena Rowland, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Holly Aitchison, Natasha Hunt; Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, Maud Muir, Zoe Aldcroft, Morwenna Talling, Maddie Feaunati, Marlie Packer (capt), Alex Matthews.
Replacements: Lark Atkin-Davies, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern, Lilli Ives Campion, Poppy Cleall, Lucy Packer, Zoe Harrison, Emily Scarratt.
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