Breach makes cut for France v England clash

Jess Breach has retained her place in the England Red Roses side as they gear up to play France on Saturday.
Jess Breach dives back into England action on Saturday / Picture: GettyJess Breach dives back into England action on Saturday / Picture: Getty
Jess Breach dives back into England action on Saturday / Picture: Getty

The Red Roses face Les Bleues at Stade des Alpes, Grenoble on Saturday at 1.15pm - it's live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

Helena Rowland and Zoe Harrison form the 10-12 axis while Worcester Warriors prop Laura Keates is among the finishers and set to earn her first cap since March 2017.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Harlequins trio Vickii Cornborough, Amy Cokayne and Shaunagh Brown make up the front row while Alex Matthews starts at blindside flanker.

Megan Jones and Morwenna Talling are among the replacements.

The game comes too soon for Sarah Hunter who continues her return from injury so Emily Scarratt will once again captain the side with lock Abbie Ward vice-captain.

Amber Reed will miss the trip after an assessment on an injury sustained last weekend.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Head coach Simon Middleton said: “We’re really looking forward to heading out to France for what will be another competitive game.

“We see this fixture as a big opportunity for some of our younger players to play away in France, which is always one of our toughest games. Given our two 2021 Six Nations games against France and Italy are both at home, this is a big opportunity to compete against top quality opposition away from home ahead of next year’s World Cup.

“Helena Rowland has really impressed since her return to XVs with Loughborough and deserves her chance. We’re really looking forward to seeing her link up with Zoe Harrison.

“We know what Katy Daley-Mclean can do on the big stage and the presence she brings and see this game as an opportunity for others.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s been great to have Sarah Hunter back training with us this week. We’re managing her return carefully and won’t take any risks.

“Last but certainly not least, we are really pleased our two autumn games against France will be shown on BBC Two and our aim is to put on a show for everyone supporting from home.”

England team to play France

15. Ellie Kildunne (Wasps FC Ladies, 9 caps)

14. Jess Breach (Harlequins Women, 14 caps)

13. Emily Scarratt (C; Loughborough Lightning, 90 caps)

12. Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women, 25 caps)

11. Abby Dow (Wasps FC Ladies, 13 caps)

10. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap)

9. Leanne Riley (Harlequins Women, 38 caps)

1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Women, 54 caps)

2. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins Women, 51 caps)

3. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Women, 18 caps)

4. Abbie Ward (VC; Harlequins Women, 43 caps)

5. Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women, 41 caps)

6. Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 38 caps)

7. Marlie Packer (Saracens Women, 72 caps)

8. Sarah Beckett (Harlequins Women, 18 caps)

Finishers

16. Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 26 caps)

17. Detysha Harper (Loughborough Lightning, 2 caps)

18. Laura Keates (Worcester Warriors, 60 caps)

19. Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap)

20. Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps FC Ladies, 56 caps)

21. Claudia MacDonald (Wasps FC Ladies, 10 caps)

22. Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury, 13 caps)

23. Megan Jones (Wasps FC Ladies, 9 caps)