England's Red Roses are preparing to face Scotland in the Guinness Women's Six Nations, despite a lengthy list of absentees. Coach John Mitchell has made several 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 shifted to the left wing, while Maddie Feaunati moves to No 8 to fill the gap left by Alex Matthews' injury. England has been hit hard by injuries, with several key players ruled out of the tournament, but Mitchell remains optimistic about the team's ability to adapt. "We've had to adapt to a number of changes with injuries to team-mates who are hugely valued within the group, but that's part of the culture we're building," he said. The team's defense coach, Sarah Hunter, views the current situation as an opportunity to build for the future and develop younger players.
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.