England side for 6 Nations opener named

England have named a youthful looking side for their opening womens 6 Nations game against Scotland, on February 5th at Lasswade RFC, Edinburgh, kick off 5pm.

The current title-holders are going for a record breaking seventh consecutive title, and include the uncapped lock Emily Braund on the bench alongside a number of players who hold just a handful of caps.

However despite their youth, Englands starting line-up is still vastly experienced.Fly-half and captain Katy McLean will lead the side on 50 caps and outside her in the backs, players like Emily Scarratt, Racahel Burford (pictured) and Kat Merchant all bring a vast amount of international experience to the table.

Up front Sophie Hemming and Claire Purdy anchor the scrum in the prop positions while Sarah Hunter leads the back at number 8. Hannah Gallagher wins just her third cap on one flank while Marlie Packer makes her 9th appearance at senior levelThere is no place yet for Maggie Alphonsi who will certainly return later in the tournament. England will go to Scotland as firm favourites.

Street said: I think this is actually going to be the toughest Six Nations we have experienced in quite some time. Every game is going to be a challenge, starting with Scotland. Italy are in my opinion the most improved side in the championship, whilst playing Wales at Twickenham Stadium is going to be a huge match. Matches dont come much tougher than playing France in Paris and then we will finish off the series against Ireland, playing them on St. Patricks Day weekend.

I have selected a relatively young side for our game against Scotland following their performances against New Zealand and France last autumn. At the same time we have still got a lot of experienced players and we will need that for a tough test against our home nation rivals.

Street added: For me, I think if we can put the performances in then hopefully the results will take care of themselves. Following our series win over the world champions New Zealand we have set ourselves a high bar to live up to and for us it will be disappointing if we cant keep improving on our performances.

England team to play Scotland:Kay Wilson (Bristol), Katherine Merchant (Worcester), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Rachael Burford (Richmond), Michaela Staniford (Wasps), Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C), Natasha Hunt (Lichfield), Claire Purdy(Wasps), Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield), Sophie Hemming (Bristol), Rowena Burnfield (Richmond), Harriet Millar-Mill (Lichfield), Hannah Gallagher (Saracens), Marlie Packer (Bristol), Sarah Hunter (Lichfield) (VC)

Replacements: Amy Turner (Richmond), Laura Keates (Worcester), Emily Braund (Lichfield), Isabelle Noel-Smith (Bristol), Georgina Rozario (Lichfield), Ceri Large (Worcester), Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)