England Women’s team announced for Scotland

• McLean to captain England against Scotland
• Fisher replaces Leonard in late change for Gary Street's side

Photo: Rugbymatters.net

England Head Coach Gary Street has rung the changes for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland, kick off 1.30pm at Meggatland in Edinburgh.

For the first time this season Darlington Mowden Park Sharks’ Katy McLean will captain England with skipper Catherine Spencer starting on the bench.

In a late change to the starting line up, Heather Fisher replaces Jane Leonard in the back row after after the Lichfield star was injured in a Premiership match at the weekend.

Worcester flanker Fisher has nine caps and has been involved in all of England's games in the RBS 6 Nations this season.

Worcester’s Karen Jones, Richmond’s Emma Layland and Bristol’s Kim Oliver also return to the starting 15 for the first time this season after some impressive performances for England A.

Richmond’s Fiona Pocock will also make her first start for England at full back after missing England’s 22-5 victory over Ireland because of illness.

Street, whose side are on track to secure a fifth successive RBS 6 Nations crown, said: "This is a really strong side - it’s the nucleus of the team that played against New Zealand.

"I’m also pleased to welcome back some players with experience. Karen Jones had one of the stand-out performances against Spain for England A as did Kim Oliver.

"Kim started the last world cup final and Karen and Emma were both non playing reserves so there’s a host of experience there. Amber Penrith also had a great game against Italy so we are bringing in some good players."

Ireland win so important - Street

England are currently top of the RBS 6 Nations table, having conceded just one try in the tournament. Street said the victory over Ireland last time out was the toughest game in the competition so far but welcomed the challenge ahead of Saturday’s Scotland clash.

"The Ireland game was massively important," added Street.

"We need tough, competitive battles and playing Ireland in the middle of the 6 Nations really gave us the chance to make sure we can win, not just with lots of ball in hand and scoring tries, but digging it out with good forwards and good backs defending well.

"It can only help us in our preparation for the Scotland game, and as a whole ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

"Confidence is higher than I’ve ever known it. We really believe that we’re going in the right direction, not just with the results but with the way we’re playing."

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 Stoop in September. Tickets for the WRWC will be available from 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: 22-5
Scotland v England, March 13, Meggatland, KO 1.30pm
France v England, March 19, Rennes Stade Vellodrome, KO 8pm