England's women's rugby team is gearing up for their Guinness Women's Six Nations match against Scotland, despite facing a significant injury crisis. Coach John Mitchell has made several changes to the starting lineup, including the debut of 19-year-old Demelza Short as blindside flanker. Other changes include the inclusion of fly-half Zoe Harrison, full-back Emma Sing, lock Abi Burton, and prop Maud Muir.
Ellie Kildunne has been shifted to the left wing, while Maddie Feaunati moves to No 8 to fill the gap left by Alex Matthews, who is out with a shoulder injury. England has been severely impacted by injuries, with several key players ruled out of the tournament, including Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, and Tatyana Heard.
Additionally, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, and Lark Atkin-Davies are unavailable due to pregnancy. Coach Mitchell remains optimistic, stating that the team must adapt to these changes and that it presents opportunities for other players to step up.
Defence coach Sarah Hunter views this challenge as a chance to build for the next World Cup in 2029, accelerating the development of younger players. The team's 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.