Strongest England team named for Irish clash

England womens rugby coach Gary Street has recalled some his strongest players for this weekends clash with Ireland.

Street had used last weekends game against Italy as an opportunity to give some fringe players a chance to shine but is taking no chances against Ireland, a side who has pushed his team hard in recent seasons.

Back in come Sophie Hemming, Jo McGilchrist, Maggie Alphonsi, Katy McLean and Katherine Merchant all of whom were benched last week or in Merchants case lining out for England A in Spain.

There are also a number of positional changes including Richmond's Fiona Pocock starting at full back and Alice Richardson moving from fly half to centre. Pocock plays much of her club rugby at fullback and Street said he made the call after being impressed with how she has done there this season.

The switches in the back three mean that Street will face the World Cup with a wealth of options in those positions with regular fullback Charlotte Barras yet to return from a foot injury.

Pococks club mate Amy Turner also returns from injury for the first time since England's win over world champions New Zealand in November as is named on the bench.

Street, whose side is targeting a fifth successive and record breaking title ahead of the 2010 Women's Rugby World Cup, said: This is certainly the strongest 22 I can select and I think the quality of our bench really stands out.

England come into the game having yet to concede a single point in this years 6 Nations but Ireland have a habit of crossing the line against England. Street said:

We have worked really hard on our defence this season and that has paid off - we have only conceded one try in eight hours of play which is a good record. Ireland, however, will be very competitive. I know they fancy their chances against us and they will come over here expecting to win. They are very competitive up front and have some good backs so we must ensure that we are on top of our game this Sunday.

England team to play Ireland, Sunday 28th Feb, 3pm at Esher RFC.

Fiona Pocock, Katherine Merchant, Emily Scarratt, Alice Richardson, Michaela Staniford, Katy Mclean, La Toya Mason, Rochelle Clark, Amy Garnett, Sophie Hemming, Tamara Taylor, Joanna McGilchrist, Heather Fisher, Margaret Alphonsi, Catherine Spencer (C)

Replacements:Samantha Reeve, Claire Purdy, Rebecca Essex, Jane Leonard, Amy Turner, Rachael Burford, Claire Allan