The Loughborough Lightning duo of Sadia Kabeya and Lilli Ives Campion return for England’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France this weekend.
Both have missed the Red Roses’ last two fixtures with injuries but return to the starting line up at openside flanker and lock respectively for the winner-takes-all showdown at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Métropole on Sunday 17 May (kick-off: 4.45pm UK time).
They are joined in the run-out side by Helena Rowland, who extends her ever-present status in this year’s competition at inside centre having scored a try on the occasion of her 50th international appearance against Italy last time out.
“France are a quality side, and we’ve got a huge amount of respect for what they bring and the way they play the game,” England Head Coach John Mitchell said.
“To face them in Bordeaux - in the heart of the south-west, a region so passionate about rugby with a vocal home crowd behind them - is exactly the sort of challenge the girls relish, embrace and walk towards. With that support comes expectation and pressure, and Francois (Ratier, France Head Coach) has already laid down the challenge to his players.
“This tournament has demanded adaptability and the ability to learn quickly from us throughout. The girls have stayed connected, composed and continued to grow within our new attacking identity. I’m proud of the way the players have competed for positions, pushed one another every day and earned the right to contest for the Championship.
“We understand the significance of the performance ahead and what it would mean to us, but our focus remains firmly on trusting our game, staying present, being courageous, creating stronger connections and continuing to act selflessly for one another, throughout this tournament.”
Red Roses team to play France
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 61 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 56 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 37 caps) - captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 50 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 39 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 69 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 43 caps)
1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 27 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 93 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 83 caps)
4 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps)
5 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 5 caps)
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 8 caps)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 31 caps)
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 26 caps)
Replacements
16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 23 caps)
17 Liz Crake (Saracens, 2 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 52 caps)
19 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 3 caps)
20 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 115 caps)
21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 4 caps)
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 48 caps)
23 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 16 caps)
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