Seven new faces in England Women's squad to face Canada
Thursday 16 November 2017 11:52, UK
England Women head coach Simon Middleton has included seven uncapped players in his match-day 23 for the first of three Tests against Canada at Allianz Park on Friday November 17.
Wingers Jess Breach (Harlequins Ladies) and Abigail Dow (Wasps FC Ladies) have been named in the starting line-up while Caity Mattinson (Bristol Ladies), Ellie Kildunne (Gloucester-Hartpury Women's RFC), Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women), Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Ladies) and Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women) are on the bench.
Other notable names include full-back Danielle Waterman (Wasps FC Ladies), who is set to earn her 75th cap, while hooker Amy Cokayne (Wasps FC Ladies) will play her 33rd consecutive Test. Flanker Sarah Hunter captains the side.
Middleton said: "Our priority is to win the series and keep our winning momentum going from last season. It's a strong blend of youth and experience.
"We have had some great matches with Canada and we are really looking forward to getting the series underway in what we know will be a tough and physical encounter."
The second match in the series is at Twickenham Stoop on 21 November with the final match at Twickenham on Saturday, 25 November.
England Women match-day squad v Canada:
15 Danielle Waterman, 14 Abigail Dow, 13 Rachael Burford, 12 Amber Reed, 11 Jess Breach, 10 Katy Daley-Mclean, 9 Leanne Riley; 1 Vickii Cornborough, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Heather Kerr, 4 Abbie Scott, 5 Rowena Burnfield, 6 Sarah Hunter, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Poppy Cleall.
Replacements: 16 Lark Davies, 17 Rochelle Clark, 18 Hannah Botterman, 19 Tamara Taylor, 20 Shaunagh Brown, 21 Caity Mattinson, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Ellie Kildunne.
