According to Sadia Kabeya, England is well-prepared to showcase their squad depth as they face Scotland at Murrayfield, despite being hindered by a multitude of absent players. The Red Roses are currently without 10 players due to injury or pregnancy, including the esteemed Alex Matthews, who is sidelined with a shoulder issue. This has significantly impacted their second row, where Lilli Ives Campion, at just 22 years old, has become the senior lock and will partner with Abi Burton, who has been converted from the back row.
Kabeya views this crisis as an opportunity for England to demonstrate their playing resources' strength as they aim to build upon their 33-12 victory over Ireland in the Guinness Women's Six Nations. "The team's strength in depth is often highlighted, and now we have the perfect chance to prove it," Kabeya stated. "Although the injuries and absence of key leaders are unfortunate, we have players stepping up who have been performing well in the Premiership Women's Rugby all season, and our training has been going smoothly." A record-breaking crowd of over 25,000 is expected to attend the match, where Rachel Malcolm's team will attempt to pull off an upset. Kabeya expressed her excitement about playing at Murrayfield, saying, "I've never had the chance to play there before, and considering the tremendous growth the women's game has experienced over the past couple of years, it will be an emotional and historic day."