Quins form backbone of Red Roses squad to face Wales
By Rory Poulter
14th Apr 2023 | Local News
Four Quins will feature for the Red Roses this weekend as England women take on Wales in the TikTok Women's Six Nations.
Abby Dow starts on the left wing, with Lucy Packer at scrum half and Lagi Tuima at outside centre – and all have starred in recent wins over Scotland and Italy.
At the same time, flying fullback Ellie Kildunne returns from injury to join the 'finishers' expected to make an impact from the bench.
The Quins hooker and try machine, Amy Cokayne, is unavailable for selection as part of England Rugby's agreement with the Royal Air Force.
The Red Roses hooker will be representing the Royal Air Force Senior Women in their Inter Service rugby union match against the British Army at Kingsholm on the same day.
The game away against Wales on Saturday will be the toughest match so far for England's women, who are going through a change in personnel following the World Cup in New Zealand
Marlie Packer captains the side from open-side flanker while Alex Matthews makes her first appearance of the tournament at No.8. Sadia Kabeya is named at blind-side flanker.
Emma Sing makes her first international start at full back with Jess Breach on the right wing. Once again, Holly Aitchison and Tatyana Heard form the 10-12 axis.
Bristol Bears' Lark Davies is the starting hooker with Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern making up the front row. Vice-captain Zoe Aldcroft and Cath O'Donnell are the second row combination, while Saracens hooker May Campbell could earn her first international cap as she takes her place among the substitutes.
The trip to the Welsh capital also sees the return of Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir following injury lay-offs.
Coach Simon Middleton said: "We're pleased to welcome back key personnel including Alex Matthews, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir and Ellie Kildunne to the match day squad.
"Our sports science team deserve great credit for their tireless efforts over the past few months and have yet again returned players safely ahead of schedule.
"Emma Sing makes her first start in an England shirt. She's performed extremely well for Gloucester-Hartpury this season and has impressed us in camps and her international appearances to date.
"Although we have world class hookers in our squad, it's essential we continue to look to strengthen the depth in that position. May Campbell has been a standout player in the Allianz Premier 15s over the last couple of seasons and has been tremendous in camp for us. She's patiently bided her time and deservedly gets her opportunity this weekend."
* Kick off at 2:15pm, live on BBC Two
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