England side for Welsh test named

A much changed England side, from the team who beat Italy convincingly, will take to the field this weekend at Twickenham.

In the side to play Wales there are 11 changes, three positional, while on the bench Maggie Alphonsi(pictured)returns from injury and is in line for her first appearance of the tournament.

The game, which kicks off after the mens international at 615pm (entry free) sees fly-half Katy McLean return as captain while Natasha Hunt will swap her number nine jersey to start her first ever international game at full-back.

In the forwards, there is a new look front row for this match with Victoria Fleetwood back starting at hooker and Bristols Sophie Hemming at tight-head prop. Worcesters Laura Keates moves to loose-head prop. Lichfields Harriet Millar-Mills and Saracens Hannah Gallagher are also back in the starting line-up.

England are two from two this year with a couple of convincing wins over Scotland and Italy behind them but Gary Street, their head coach, expects a much tougher challenge from the Welsh.

I was really impressed with the way Wales played against Scotland. They played a really expansive game, moved the ball around well and scored some cracking tries. They also have some physical ball-carrying forwards and some good pace out wide so with the wide open pitch of Twickenham suiting both team this match should be a cracker.

Saturday will also see flanker Gallagher and No. 8 Millar Mills make their Twickenham debuts whilst fly-half Ceri Large will also make her bow if she is called off the bench. All three players made their England debuts against France in November.

Street added: Playing at Twickenham is a huge opportunity for these players. Playing at the home of England Rugby is an experience youll never forget. Coupled with the fantastic support we always receive here it will create an amazing atmosphere that I am sure Hannah, Harriet and Ceri will embrace and rise to the challenge.

We have got some serious experience on the bench and who will no doubt be chomping at the bit to get on, especially Maggie Alphonsi who has been out injured for the first couple of rounds. Shell be desperate to get on, make her mark and stake her claim for a place in the starting line-up against France in two weeks time.

Englandteam to play Wales:Natasha Hunt (Lichfield), Kay Wilson (Bristol), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Rachael Burford (Richmond), Michaela Staniford (Wasps), Katy McLean (c) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), La Toya Mason (Wasps), Laura Keates (Worcester), Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield), Sophie Hemming (Bristol), Rowena Burnfield (Richmond), Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Hannah Gallagher (Saracens), Marlie Packer (Bristol), Harriet Millar-Mils (Lichfield)

Replacements:Amy Turner (Richmond), Rochelle Clark (Worcester), Maggie Alphonsi (Saracens), Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), Georgina Rozario (Lichfield), Ceri Large (Worcester), Kimberley Oliver (Bristol)