England's Red Roses are gearing up for their Guinness Women's Six Nations match against Scotland, despite being plagued by a series of injuries that have left the team severely depleted. Coach John Mitchell remains optimistic, stating that the team will adapt to the changes and utilize the opportunity to develop younger players. Five changes have been made to the starting lineup, including the debut of 19-year-old Demelza Short as blindside flanker. The team is looking to build on their 33-12 victory over Ireland, with Ellie Kildunne shifting to the left wing and Maddie Feaunati moving to No 8 to fill the gap left by Alex Matthews' injury.
The Red Roses have been hit with a long list of absentees, including Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, and Tatyana Heard, who are all ruled out for the tournament. Additionally, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, and Lark Atkin-Davies are missing due to pregnancy. Mitchell emphasized that the team's culture is centered around adaptability and growth, saying, 'It creates opportunities for others to step up and highlights the depth we're continuing to grow, both for now and the future.' Defence coach Sarah Hunter views the situation as a chance to develop younger players in preparation for the next World Cup in 2029, stating, 'It might accelerate them a little bit.' 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.