England's women's rugby team is adapting to a series of injuries as they prepare to face Scotland in the Guinness Women's Six Nations. Coach John Mitchell has made five changes to the starting lineup, including giving 19-year-old Demelza Short her debut at blindside flanker. Other new additions include fly-half Zoe Harrison, full-back Emma Sing, lock Abi Burton, and prop Maud Muir.
To accommodate these changes, Ellie Kildunne has moved to the left wing, and Maddie Feaunati has shifted from blindside flanker to No 8 due to Alex Matthews' shoulder injury. The team is coping with a lengthy list of absentees, including Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, and Tatyana Heard, all of whom are out for the tournament. Additionally, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, and Lark Atkin-Davies are unavailable due to pregnancy.
Mitchell views these challenges as opportunities for growth and for other players to step up. "It's part of the culture we're building," he said, highlighting the team's depth and hunger to push forward despite the setbacks. Defence coach Sarah Hunter sees the current situation as a chance to develop younger players in preparation for the 2029 World Cup.
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, with Connie Powell, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern, Haineala Lutui, Marlie Packer, Flo Robinson, Holly Aitchison, and Mia Venner on the bench.