Winger Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and fly-half Holly Aitchison have been selected to start for the Red Roses against Wales this week, with Millie David set to make her debut.
Moloney-MacDonald returns to the lineup after missing last week’s win over Scotland in Edinburgh, while Aitchison is back to start in the No. 10 position.
The 20-year-old winger David will join Moloney-MacDonald and fullback Ellie Kildunne in England’s back-three.
David has been a standout performer at the domestic level this year, scoring 26 tries in 36 matches in the Women’s Premiership for Bristol. She will start ahead of the current player Jess Breach, who is named on the bench.
Helena Rowland will team up with captain Meg Jones in the centres, while Lucy Packer is again paired with Aitchison in the halves.
A strong front-row consisting of MacKenzie Carson, Amy Cokayne, and Sarah Bern will take the field against Wales, with Abi Burton and Delaney Burns positioned in the lock.
Sadia Kabeya, Marlie Packer, and Maddie Feaunati complete the back row.
“This week is focused on understanding where our strengths lie and identifying areas for improvement,” head coach John Mitchell stated.
“Wales is a team that tends to over-commit at the contest, which will present us with a different challenge. We are looking forward to it, as it provides an opportunity to further develop our game beyond the foundation we have begun to establish.
“Under [coach] Sean Lynn, Wales are making progress, playing with increased clarity and enthusiasm, and we recognize that we will need to earn that right once more.
England XV vs. Wales
Forwards: 1. Mackenzie Carson, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Abi Burton, 5. Delaney Burns, 6. Sadia Kabeya, 7. Marlie Packer, 8. Maddie Feaunati.
Backs: 9. Lucy Packer, 10. Holly Aitchison, 11. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 12. Helena Rowland, 13. Megan Jones – captain, 14. Millie David, 15. Ellie Kildunne
Replacements: 16. Connie Powell, 17. Kelsey Clifford, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Haineala Lutui, 20. Demelza Short, 21. Flo Robinson, 22. Zoe Harrison, 23. Jess Breach.
