England's women's rugby team is preparing to face Scotland in the Guinness Women's Six Nations, despite a lengthy list of absent players. Coach John Mitchell has made five changes to the starting lineup, including giving 19-year-old Demelza Short her debut at blindside flanker. The team is looking to build on their 33-12 victory over Ireland, with fly-half Zoe Harrison, full-back Emma Sing, lock Abi Burton, and prop Maud Muir also joining the starting XV.
Ellie Kildunne has been moved to the left wing, while Maddie Feaunati switches to No 8 due to Alex Matthews' shoulder injury. England has been hit with several injuries, including those to Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, and Tatyana Heard, who will all miss the tournament.
Additionally, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, and Lark Atkin-Davies are out due to pregnancy. Coach Mitchell remains optimistic, stating that the injuries create opportunities for other players to step up and demonstrate the team's depth.
Defence coach Sarah Hunter views the situation as a chance to develop younger players for the next World Cup in 2029. The 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.