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Red Roses change seven for Wales as wing David given debut

Brooke Taylor
Brooke Taylor
Rugby Correspondent
3:37 PM
RUGBY
Red Roses change seven for Wales as wing David given debut
England Women's rugby team ring in significant changes ahead of Six Nations clash with Wales, handing debut to promising wing as head coach John Mitchell shuffles his lineup with seven alterations from the last match.

England Women's rugby head coach John Mitchell has made seven changes to his starting lineup for Sunday's Six Nations clash against Wales at Twickenham, with promising wing Chloe David set to make her international debut. The Red Roses, currently sitting top of the Six Nations table, will field a refreshed side after their dominant victory over Italy last weekend, with Mitchell intent on building squad depth ahead of this summer's World Cup. David's inclusion marks the only change to the backline, with the 21-year-old Gloucester-Hartpury player earning her first start after impressing during training sessions with her pace and ability to beat defenders one-on-one. The changes see three-time World Rugby Women's Player of the Year'y Bravo retained at fullback despite questions over her positioning, while captain Marlie Packer continues at flanker after her man-of-the-match performance against Italy. prop Hannah Botterman drops to the bench, witharker tighthead Kelsey Clifford elevated to start alongside loosehead props Chantelle Miol and Sara Blinkhorn in a new-look front row. Mitchell has retained the majority of his starting XV from the 52-7 victory over Italy, recognizing the need to balance experience with opportunities for squad players to prove themselves at international level. The head coach emphasized that rotation is a deliberate strategy to ensure all 32 players in his squad feel valued and prepared for the challenges ahead, particularly with the World Cup looming on the horizon. Wales, meanwhile, have lost experienced fly-half Llewon Morshead to a hamstring injury and will field uncapped Robyn Davies at number 10 in their first Twickenham appearance since 2019. The Red Roses have won their last 14 matches against Wales and are heavy favorites to extend that run, though Mitchell has warned his side against complacency against a Welsh team that upset Ireland in their opening fixture.

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