Six changes for England
nan
Published by Scrum Queens, February 8th, 2011
3 minute read
England women's rugby coach Gary Street (pictured) has made six changes to his team for Saturday's match against Italy, following the 19-0 win over Wales in round one.
Wasps prop Claire Purdy returns to the starting line-up for her first game since Septembers Rugby World Cup final, while Emma Croker is also given the nod to start at hooker and Rochelle Clark moves to tight head prop.
Richmond lock Rowena Burnfield gets her first Six Nations start this season as does Worcesters Heather Fisher (pictured), while Lichfields Sarah Hunter moves to Number 8.
Street said: As always we want to give our squad as much game time as possible and this is an opportunity for us to do that. We have a strong squad, but we need to give them time on the pitch to prove what they can do. I am also pleased that we can welcome back Claire Purdy as she is raring to go.
England ran in three tries against Wales on Sunday and kept Wales to nil, but Street, who admitted his side were a little rusty, is definitely looking for an improvement this weekend.
He added: Italy are an ever improving side and they had a good result against Ireland last weekend, staying close at half time. They are always a tough gritty side and that is why we must make the step up on Saturday. I am looking for a real improvement, including in our attacking game and the quality of ball from the breakdown.
Seeherefor video highlights of England V Wales.
England
15 Danielle Waterman Worcester14 Katherine Merchant Worcester13 Emily Scarratt Lichfield12 Kimberley Oliver Bristol11 Francesca Matthews Richmond10 Katy McLean (C) Darlington Mowden Park Sharks9 La Toya Mason Wasps1 ClairePurdyWasps2 Emma Croker Richmond3 Rochelle Clark Worcester4 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps5 Rowena Burnfield Richmond6 Heather FisherWorcester7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens8 Sara hHunter Lichfield
Replacements:
16 Amy Garnett Saracens17 Sophie Hemming Bristol18 Rebecca EssexRichmond19 Catherine Spencer Bristol20 Georgina Rozario Lichfield21 Rachael Burford Richmond22 Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Park Sharks