Michaela Staniford believes the lesser-known players can give England a "selection headache" at the Amsterdam Sevens.
England captain expects players to put their hands up for selection
Michaela Staniford believes England's lesser-known players can give coach Barry Maddocks a "selection headache" at the Amsterdam Sevens.
England have named a much-changed squad for the short trip to the Netherlands, with captain Staniford and the free-scoring Jo Watmore rested.
That means Kate Hancock, Natasha Brennan and Katie Mason will all make their first England appearances at a senior event, while Jenny Brightmore and Emily Scott return after playing at the IRB Challenge cup event in Dubai.
Although Staniford, who has guided England to the Hong Kong and Marriott London Sevens titles, would have played this weekend she is happy to see the young guns handed their chance - especially with the European Championships in Moscow (which also act at the World Cup qualifiers) coming up.
"I obviously want to play in every tournament I can," the 25-year-old told
Sky Sports.
Exposure
"I would love to be involved in Amsterdam to carry on the momentum from winning in London. However I have played so much that it will be good for me to have a little break. It also gives other girls a chance, which will help with the development of the squad.
"We some a big games ahead so it will be good for these girls to get a degree of exposure and this is the ideal tournament as it doesn't impact on our ranking.
"It also gives a chance to the girls involved to put their hands up and give Barry a few selection headaches.
"We are building up some good depth to the squad and that can only be good in the long run."
Staniford has pin-pointed Wasps team-mate Natasha Brennan and Thurrock's Emily Scott as two players who could shine in Amsterdam and force their way into the reckoning.
"Natasha Brennan has really come on," she said. "She spent last season playing 15-a-side after playing hockey and she has now switched to sevens. She is really keen to learn.
"She is athletic, a team player - which she has gained from playing hockey and is so important in sevens - strong and quick, so this is a good chance for her.
"Emily Scott was with us in Dubai. She is very skilful. She is still young and new to the rugby scene but again she has developed well."
