- Catherine Spencer back to lead England against USA
- Experienced England do battle with over 700 caps in their ranks
England Head Coach Gary Street has named the team he hopes will book England’s spot in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi finals at the Twickenham Stoop on September 1.
Street’s side must defeat the USA on Saturday – kick off 6.30pm at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford – to secure their place in the final four. And the host nation’s Head Coach has named a strong line-up that includes over 700 caps.
No. 8 Catherine Spencer is back to lead England after being rested against Kazakhstan while hooker Amy Garnett is set to become the most capped player for England ever with 89 caps.
Street has again made a number of changes to the starting line-up to rest players and also give all of them game time. It’s all change in the front row and in the second row. In the backs Emily Scarratt also returns to the starting line-up at outside centre.
"As I have said before our campaign in this world cup is all about having a squad of 26, and I plan to use every single player to keep all them fresh and fit and challenging for their starting position," said Street, whose side have scored 109 points so far and haven’t conceded a single point against Ireland or Kazakhstan.
"This is especially important ahead of Saturday’s match against the USA, a game which is vital we win to secure our place in the semi finals."
England and the USA are no strangers and regularly play each other in the annual Nations Cup. They last met a year ago in Canada and England triumphed 36-7.
Street added: "This is going to be a huge match with both teams fighting for semi final qualification. We know they are going to really come at us with their hugely physical and athletic players. We have got to make sure we win the battle on the day."