Zoe Aldcroft returns to play against Scotland. Image: The Guardian.
(The Post News)– England have made four changes to their starting XV ahead of their highly anticipated Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Scotland on Sunday, with experienced forward Zoe Aldcroft returning to the lineup after recovering from a knee injury.
Aldcroft, who missed the last two pool-stage games, steps back into the team at blindside flanker. Her return adds strength and leadership to the Red Roses’ back row, where she joins Sadia Kabeya at openside and Alex Matthews at No. 8. This dynamic combination is expected to bring balance, physicality, and experience to England’s back-row unit as they look to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Morwenna Talling, who had been covering the back row in Aldcroft’s absence, moves back into the second row, partnering Rosie Galligan in the engine room. The reshuffle is designed to reinforce England’s lineout and tight play, with Talling’s athleticism and Galligan’s strength forming a formidable duo.
England Forced to Change Batterman
In the front row, England are forced into a change after loosehead prop Hannah Botterman was ruled out of the matchday squad due to an acute back spasm she suffered during the win over Australia. Kelsey Clifford earns a starting spot at loosehead, while Maud Muir takes the tighthead role. Amy Cokayne returns at hooker, completing a refreshed and powerful front row that aims to dominate at scrum time.
The Red Roses also make a significant change in the backs. Holly Aitchison will start her first match of the tournament at fly-half, having recovered from an ankle injury that kept her sidelined during the early rounds. Aitchison made her return from the bench last week and now steps into a pivotal role as England’s playmaker. She partners with scrum-half Natasha Hunt, who continues in the No. 9 jersey following a series of strong performances.
However, England will be without star full-back Ellie Kildunne, who has been ruled out due to concussion protocols. In her place, Helena Rowland starts at full-back, bringing her versatility and calm under the high ball to the backfield. Emma Sing is named on the bench as cover. Abby Dow and Jess Breach retain their positions on the wings, offering England proven try-scoring threats out wide.
England Coach Reflects on Knockout Phase Transition
Speaking ahead of the match, head coach John Mitchell reflected on the transition into the knockout phase and expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion. According to Mitchell, now that the tournament’s first stage is over, they move on to the next phase, which has a finish line. There is additional strain because every game after this is a final. They have demonstrated that they can adjust to various circumstances, and even while they acknowledge Scotland’s progress, they still have faith in their capacity to exert pressure and play their game.
Mitchell praised the depth and character within the squad, emphasizing the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead. “We trust our girls to be consistent, to take responsibility for their individual roles, and to embrace the magnitude of the occasion. This is a proud group of athletes who understand what’s at stake. They’ve prepared exceptionally well and are ready to fight for another week in this competition.”
The coach also highlighted the growing excitement around the tournament and the Red Roses’ place in the national spotlight. “The support we’ve seen across the country has been phenomenal. The energy from the fans has lifted the team throughout the tournament, and we know Bristol will bring more of that this weekend. The players are relishing the opportunity to perform in front of a passionate home crowd.”
England head into the quarter-final with confidence, having topped their pool and demonstrated both attacking flair and defensive resilience. But with Scotland on the rise and knockout rugby bringing added intensity, the Red Roses know they must bring their best to keep their World Cup dream alive.
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