March 12th, 2007

England Women remain unchanged for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Wales at Taffs Well RFC, kick-off 230pm, as they look to clinch the Six Nations Grand Slam crown for a second consecutive year.

Geoff Richards’ side came through Sunday’s thrilling 38-12 victory against France at Old Albanians RFC unscathed and on track to retain their title with a fourth win out of four outings which included another six touch downs.

Richards said: “I was very happy with our first-half performance against France and even though we lacked some concentration in the second-half I can’t see any reason to change the starting line-up. The team performed well and we’ll be looking for a repeat performance against Wales on Saturday.

“Back to back Grand Slam Six Nations wins would be a terrific achievement  and a testament to the very successful development system the RFUW has in place and we would love to achieve that, but we’re not taking anything for granted.

“We know all eyes will be on us but believe me this is going to be one of the toughest games of our season. Wales beat Italy 24-0 at the weekend in Rome where as we only beat Italy 23-0. That just shows how strong they are. They also have some very experienced players who’ll certainly want to spoil our party.  Wales in Wales is always tough so it will be one hell of a challenge for us.”

And as if Wales needed any extra motivation to derail England, the game will also represent an important milestone in women’s rugby history, with Wales celebrating the 20th anniversary of Welsh women’s international rugby. The first-ever Wales versus England clash was played on April 5th, 1987 at Pontypool Park with England winning 22-4.

Richards acknowledges that this could certainly play a part in firing up England’s opponents.

He added: “This game is massive for Wales also because of the history behind it. Wales are certainly a team that can boast stacks of pride and tradition which can make any side vulnerable. There’s no doubt we have to be on the top of our game if we are to win and secure back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slam wins.”

England team

1 Rochelle Clark (Henley)
2 Amy Garnett  (Saracens)
3 Katy Storie   (Blaydon)
4 Tamara Taylor (Thirsk)
5 Jo McGilchrist (Wasps)
6 Georgia Stevens (Clifton)
7 Maggie Alphonsi   (Saracens) VC
8 Catherine Spencer (Worcester)
9 Amy Turner  (Wasps)
10 Karen Andrew (Saracens)
11 Sue Day   (Wasps) C
12 Rachel Burford (Saracens)
13 Claire Allan  (Saracens)
14 Danielle Watermen (Clifton)
15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens)
Replacements:  
16 Emma Layland (Richmond)
17 Vanessa Gray (Wasps)
18 Sarah Beale  (Leos)
19 Sarah Hunter   (Lichfield)
20 Katy McLean  (Thirsk)
21 Michaela Staniford (Wasps)
22 Amber Penrith (Cardiff Quins)

Country  P  W  D  L  For  Against  Points
England  4  4  0   0   136    7   8   
France  4  3   0   1    72    48   6
Wales  4  3   0   1    44    20   6  
Ireland  4  1   0   3    33    61   2 
Scotland  4  1   0   3    32    94   2   
Italy   4  0   0   4    23    110   0 

England’s RBS 6 Nations fixtures & results:

England v Scotland, February 3rd, kick-off 230pm at Old Albanians RFC WON 60-0
England v Italy, February 10th, kick-off 415pm at Twickenham  WON 23-0
Ireland v England, February 25th, kick-off 2pm at Thomond Park, Limerick WON 32-0
England v France, March 11th, kick-off 145pm at Old Albanians RFC WON 38-12
Wales v England, March 17th, kick-off 230pm at Taffs Wells, near Cardiff RFC

Ends…