According to Sadia Kabeya, England is well-prepared to showcase their team depth as they face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, despite being plagued by injuries and absences. The Red Roses are currently without 10 players due to injury or pregnancy, including double World Cup winner Alex Matthews, who is sidelined with a shoulder issue. This has significantly impacted their second-row lineup, where 22-year-old Lilli Ives Campion, with just six caps, has become the senior lock, partnering with Abi Burton, who has been converted from the back row. Kabeya views this crisis as an opportunity for England to demonstrate their playing resource strength as they build on their 33-12 victory over Ireland in the Guinness Women's Six Nations.
"This team is known for its strength in depth, and now we have the perfect chance to prove it," Kabeya stated. England's squad is still reeling from the loss of key leaders, but Kabeya remains optimistic, citing the strong performance of replacement players in the Premiership Women's Rugby and the team's effective training sessions. A record-breaking crowd of over 25,000 is expected to attend the match, where Rachel Malcolm's underdogs will attempt to pull off an upset. Kabeya expressed her excitement about playing at Murrayfield, a venue she has never played at before, and acknowledged the significant growth of women's rugby over the past couple of years.
The match is expected to be an emotional and historic event, with Kabeya eager to be a part of it.