England Women’s team announced for Ireland

• Hemming, McGilchrist, Alphonsi, McLean and Merchant return as Pocock moves to full back
• England looking to retain 100 per cent clean sheet record

Photo: Getty Images

England Head Coach Gary Street has named his team for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland, kick off 3pm at Esher RFC.

Street, whose side top the RBS 6 Nations table with two wins from two outings, has made a number of changes which sees Sophie Hemming, Joanna McGilchrist, Margaret Alphonsi, Katy McLean and Katherine Merchant all back in the starting line-up.

He has also made several positional changes including Richmond’s Fiona Pocock starting at full back and Alice Richardson moving from fly half to centre. Richmond’s Amy Turner also returns from injury for the first time since England’s historic win over world champions New Zealand in November.

Street, whose side is targeting a fifth successive title ahead of the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup, said: "This is certainly the strongest 22 I can select and I think the quality of our bench really stands out.

"Fiona Pocock will make her first start for England at full back. She is a regular for Richmond in that position and I have been really impressed with the way she has played for her club this season. With three great backs it is another exciting combination to try out before the World Cup."

England head into Sunday’s game without conceding a single point in the tournament, but Street knows that record will be hard to keep against a spirited Irish outfit.

He added: "We have worked really hard on our defence this season and that has paid off - we have only conceded one try in eight hours of play which is a good record. Ireland, however, will be very competitive.

"I know they fancy their chances against us and they will come over here expecting to win. They are very competitive up front and have some good backs so we must ensure that we are on top of our game this Sunday."

The 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off on August 20 at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford, with the semi finals and final being held at the Twickenham Stoop in September. Tickets for the WRWC will be available via Ticketmaster from March 22.

England's RBS 6 Nations Fixtures:

England v Wales, Feb 6: 31-0
Italy v England, Feb 13: 41-0
England v Ireland, Feb 28, Esher RFC, KO 3pm
Scotland v England, March 13, Meggatland, KO 130pm
France v England, March 19, Rennes Stade Vellodrome, KO 8pm