According to Sadia Kabeya, England is poised to demonstrate their depth in the face of numerous absences as they prepare to face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday. The team is currently without 10 players due to injury or pregnancy, including the double World Cup winner Alex Matthews, who is sidelined with a shoulder issue. This has significantly impacted their second row, 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 showcase their playing resources' strength, building on their 33-12 victory over Ireland in the championship's first round.
"The team's depth is often highlighted, and now we have a chance to prove it," the flanker stated. Despite the unfortunate injuries and the absence of key leaders, Kabeya is confident in the players stepping up, citing their strong performance in the Premiership Women's Rugby and successful training sessions.
England will face a record crowd of over 25,000 as Rachel Malcolm's Scotland attempts to pull off an upset, marking the highest attendance for a standalone women's sporting event in Scotland. Kabeya expressed her excitement about playing at Murrayfield, acknowledging the significant growth in women's rugby over the past couple of years and anticipating an emotional and historic match.