John Mitchell sticks to winning formula for Final
TEAM ANNOUNCMENT: Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has named an unchanged match day squad for Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final against Canada at Twickenham Stadium.
Only World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year nominee Megan Jones and six-try wing Jess Breach have been named in England’s starting XV for every match of the tournament.
Tatyana Heard lines up at inside centre with Natasha Hunt (pictured left) and Zoe Harrison partnering in the half-back positions, meaning Holly Aitchison and Lucy Packer, who impressed off the bench against France, again have to settle for a replacements berth.
Abbie Ward retains her place in the second row ahead of Rosie Galligan.
14 of the 23 were also in the matchday squad for the 2021 final (played in 2022). Scrum-half Hunt also started the 2014 final between England and Canada, while Alex Matthews – who starts at No.8 – was on the bench.
“Our staff and players have worked hard to reach this stage of the tournament,” said Mitchell. “Playing a World Cup final at Allianz Stadium in front of a record 82,000 is a significant milestone for the sport.
“We are well prepared for the challenge against Canada. It is number one versus number two in the world, and we know the contest will demand a full 80 minutes. Our focus remains on staying in our process and executing effectively.”
England: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Abby Dow, 13 Megan Jones, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Jess Breach, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Natasha Hunt, 8 Alex Matthews, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 6 Zoe Aldcroft (captain), 5 Rosie Galligan, 4 Morwenna Talling, 3 Maud Muir, 2 Amy Cokayne, 1 Hannah Botterman.
Replacements: 16 Lark Atkin-Davies, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland
Date: Saturday, September 27
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 16.00 (15.00 GMT; 11.00 EDT)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
Assistant Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU) & Clara Munarini (FIR)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)
