England's Red Roses are adapting to a lengthy list of absent players as they prepare for their Guinness Women's Six Nations match against Scotland. Coach John Mitchell has made several changes to the starting lineup, including the debut of 19-year-old Demelza Short. Despite the challenges posed by injuries to key players, Mitchell remains optimistic about the team's ability to bounce back. The Red Roses will be without several players, including Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, and Natasha Hunt, who have been ruled out for the entire tournament.
Additionally, some players are missing due to pregnancy. Mitchell emphasized the importance of the team's culture in dealing with these setbacks, stating that they have created opportunities for other players to step up. England's defense coach, Sarah Hunter, views the current situation as a chance to develop younger players and build for the future, particularly with the next World Cup in mind. The team's starting XV includes several new faces, with Ellie Kildunne moving to the left wing and Maddie Feaunati switching to No 8.