England's Red Roses are adapting to a lengthy list of absentees as they prepare for their Guinness Women's Six Nations match against Scotland. Coach John Mitchell has introduced five new players to the starting lineup, including 19-year-old Demelza Short, who will make her debut at blindside flanker. Fly-half Zoe Harrison, full-back Emma Sing, lock Abi Burton, and prop Maud Muir have also been selected.
To accommodate these changes, Ellie Kildunne has shifted to the left wing, and Maddie Feaunati has moved from blindside flanker to No 8 following Alex Matthews' shoulder injury. The Red Roses have been severely impacted by injuries, with Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, and Tatyana Heard ruled out for the entire tournament. Additionally, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, and Lark Atkin-Davies are unavailable due to pregnancy.
Mitchell remains optimistic, stating that these changes create opportunities for other players to step up and demonstrate the team's growing depth. Defence coach Sarah Hunter views this challenge as an opportunity to develop younger players in preparation for the 2029 World Cup.
The starting XV includes Emma Sing, Jess Breach, Megan Jones, Helena Rowland, Ellie Kildunne, Zoe Harrison, Lucy Packer, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maud Muir, Abi Burton, Lilli Ives Campion, Demelza Short, Sadia Kabeya, and Maddie Feaunati.