England Women team named to face Scotland in Six Nations opener
Wednesday 3 February 2016 11:34, UK
England have named a side with a mix of experience and fresh talent for their Women's Six Nations opener against Scotland at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld on Friday.
There are no newcomers in the starting XV, but Wasps prop Bee Dawson, Bristol centre Lucy Demaine, Worcester second row Courtney Gill and Saracens back-row Poppy Cleall will all be hoping to make their debuts off the replacements' bench.
Among the more experienced players are captain and No 8 Sarah Hunter, who is set to make her 74th appearance, while La Toya Mason, who starts at scrum-half, will earn her 50th cap.
Lead coach Scott Bemand said: "We believe we have the best possible group to take us into a seven-week competition, having just come out of four good days in camp. The Scottish squad have been working hard and training together on a regular basis and so we should not underestimate them as a team.
"We are still a young side, but with the likes of Rochelle Clark, who has 105 England caps, in the squad we can be excited that there is a good balance of experience and exciting new names.
"It's a great achievement that La Toya Mason will gain her 50th cap on Friday and great to have her experience, having played in two World Cup finals. The four girls seeking to gain their first cap have performed consistently in the Premiership this season and earned their right to be in the squad."
England: 15 Katie Mason, 14 Ruth Laybourn, 13 Lauren Cattell, 12 Ceri Large, 11 Lotte Clapp, 10 Amber Reed, 9 La Toya Mason; 1 Rochelle Clark, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Vickii Cornborough, 4 Abbie Scott, 5 Emily Braund, 6 Harriet Millar-Mills, 7 Izzy Noel-Smith, 8 Sarah Hunter (capt).
Replacements: 16 Emma Croker, 17 Heather Kerr, 18 Bee Dawson, 19 Courtney Gill, 20 Poppy Cleall, 21 Bianca Blackburn, 22 Lucy Demaine, 23 Leanne Riley.
