England host depleted Wales aiming to extend 35-Test winning streak
England host an injury-hit Wales at Ashton Gate in the Women’s Six Nations on Saturday, aiming to extend their historic 35-Test winning streak against opponents desperate for form.
The Red Roses are chasing a fifth consecutive Grand Slam and remain one of the most dominant sides in global sport.
John Mitchell’s squad delivered a ruthless 12-try demolition of Scotland in Edinburgh last weekend despite carrying their own minor injury concerns.
The visiting side, by stark contrast, arrive at a sold-out Bristol venue possessing just one victory from their last 12 international outings.
Injury crisis deepens for the visitors
Welsh head coach Sean Lynn has been dealt severe blows following the late withdrawals of experienced duo Hannah Dallavalle and captain Kate Williams.
Dallavalle’s groin injury hands Jenna De Vera the biggest start of her fledging career, having only made her international debut against France last week.
Bethan Lewis assumes the back-row captaincy, while Branwen Metcalfe earns her maiden Test start in a heavily disrupted pack.
In a remarkable storyline, flanker Alisha Joyce returns to the replacements bench just five months after giving birth.
The returning back-rower has played only 30 minutes of competitive Celtic Challenge rugby this season but impressed the coaching staff during training.
Mitchell rotates formidable hosts
England manager Mitchell has opted to shake up his starting XV once again, handing a debut to Bristol Bears wing Millie David.
Claudia Moloney-MacDonald starts on the opposite flank as the world’s top-ranked side look to brutally exploit their opponents’ vulnerabilities.
The lethal Ellie Kildunne returns to full-back after scoring a hat-trick in this exact fixture last year.
Up front, MacKenzie Carson and Sarah Bern are promoted from the bench alongside Marlie Packer, while Holly Aitchison reclaims the fly-half shirt.
Facing the ultimate challenge
The away side showed admirable grit during their recent defeat by France, but containing a squad full of household names will require a near-superhuman effort.
“England are the trailblazers in the women’s game and have stolen a march on all of us in the Six Nations.”
Sean Lynn, Wales Head Coach
