According to Sadia Kabeya, England is well-equipped to overcome the challenge posed by a lengthy injury list when they face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday. The team is currently without 10 players due to injuries or pregnancy, including the experienced Alex Matthews, who is sidelined with a shoulder issue.
This has resulted in a relatively inexperienced second-row combination, with 22-year-old Lilli Ives Campion now the senior lock, partnering with converted back-row player Abi Burton. Kabeya views the current crisis as an opportunity for England to showcase their squad depth, building on their 33-12 victory over Ireland in the opening round of the Guinness Women's Six Nations. "This team is known for its strength in depth, and now we have the perfect chance to demonstrate that," Kabeya said.
Despite the absence of key leaders, Kabeya is confident that the incoming players will rise to the occasion, having performed well in the Premiership Women's Rugby all season. England will face a record crowd of over 25,000 as they take on Rachel Malcolm's Scotland side, who are looking to cause an upset.
Kabeya, who has never played at Murrayfield before, is excited about the opportunity to be part of a historic day for women's sports in Scotland, with the match expected to be an emotional encounter.