Sadia Kabeya insists that England are prepared to demonstrate the depth of their squad despite a spate of absences as they head into the Saturday showdown with Scotland at Murrayfield. The Red Roses have been forced to cope with the loss of ten players, sidelined either through injury or pregnancy, ahead of the second round of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Among the casualties is double World Cup champion Alex Matthews, who has been ruled out due to a shoulder issue.
The most significant blow has hit the second row. Twenty-two‑year‑old Lilli Ives Campion, who has earned six caps, is now the senior lock and will partner with former back‑row forward Abi Burton, who has been converted to the engine‑room role.
Their partnership will be crucial in stabilising the set‑piece and providing a platform for the back‑line. Kabeya views this adversity as a perfect moment for England to showcase the breadth of talent at their disposal.
After a commanding 33‑12 win over Ireland that set the tone for their campaign, the team now has the chance to prove that their success is not dependent on a handful of star players. “One thing everyone always says about this team is that we have strength in depth and we’ve got a really good chance to go and show that now,” the flanker explained. She acknowledged the disappointment of losing several senior leaders but emphasized that the younger players stepping up have earned their spots through consistent performances in the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition.
“It’s unfortunate having so many injuries and having big leaders out, but we have players coming in who are stepping up. They’ve been playing well in Premiership Women’s Rugby all season and our training has gone well,” Kabeya said.
The squad will still be recognised as the Red Roses, albeit with a few new names on the team sheet. “We always talk about being one team and having depth and it’s now a chance to show that fully,” she added, underlining the collective mindset that the coaching staff has instilled. The match promises to be historic on several fronts.
A record crowd of over 25,000 spectators is expected, which would set a new benchmark for a standalone women’s sporting event in Scotland. The atmosphere is anticipated to be electric as the underdog Scottish side, led by captain Rachel Malcolm, looks to pull off a surprise upset. Kabeya reflected on the personal significance of the venue. “I’ve never played at Murrayfield,” she admitted.
“I remember watching from home the behind‑closed‑doors game there when it was snowing and freezing, thinking: ‘Oh God, I’m glad I’m not there!’ At that time I was nowhere near the England squad, so now I have a chance to go and play there myself.” She also highlighted the rapid growth of the women’s game over the past few years, noting how the increasing visibility and professionalisation have transformed the sport. “The way the women’s game has gone over the past couple years, it’s been amazing to see that growth,” Kabeya remarked. Looking ahead, Kabeya expects the encounter to be emotionally charged for both sides. “It will mean a lot for the Scottish girls, so it’s going to be a very emotional day and an emotional game.
It’s a day that will go down in history, so I’m super excited to be a part of it.” In summary, England’s challenge lies not only in coping with the absence of seasoned veterans but also in harnessing the enthusiasm and readiness of the next‑generation players. The upcoming test at Murrayfield will serve as a litmus test for the squad’s resilience, depth, and ability to thrive under pressure, while also offering a platform for the women’s game to continue its upward trajectory in front of a record‑breaking Scottish crowd.