Emily Scarratt will take over the Red Roses captaincy for their clash against Wales as Sarah Hunter is dropped to the bench.
World Rugby’s player of the year, Scarratt, will be hoping to lead England to their fourth victory in this years Six Nations and continue their unbeaten run.
Sarah Hunter is one of five changes to the side that beat Ireland in the third round of the competition with star winger injured leaving head coach Simon Middleton forced to make changes. Ahead of his squad announcement, Middleton explained that Breach picked up an ankle injury during training this week.
“It’s ruled her out for the rest of the Six Nations which will be bitterly disappointing. You don’t want to see any player getting injured, let alone with a significant injury.
“She’s been in great form for us as well and she’s a really good kid,” Middleton explained.
Sarah McKenna will replace Breach on the wing making a move from her previous position as full-back. The No.15 jersey will instead be worn by Emily Scott as Lydia Thompson takes up her position on the wing as Abigail Dow is benched.
Harriet Millar-Mills will have her first start to the Championship at 6, just edging out Sarah Beckett who moves to No.8.
Harlequins’ own hooker Amy Cokayne will start her 50th game at her home ground with fellow prop Shaunagh Brown taking over from Sarah Bern in the starting line up.
Record-breaking Saturday?
The Red Roses will play the home fixture at Harlequins’ home ground The Stoop in Twickenham and will be looking to put on another impressive performance in front of what is expected to be a record-breaking crowd. 10,000 tickets of a target of 11,000 have already been sold and it looks as if the record of 10,451 spectators at an England women's home game will be broken at the weekend.
Simon Middleton is clearly excited for this weekend’s fixture despite the injury to Jess Breach and is “very much looking forward to the iconic fixture”
“There’s been a fantastic effort across the board in terms of ticket sales and we know the crowd at the Stoop will create a wonderful atmosphere.
“I’d like to give a special mention to Amy Cokayne on her 50th cap. For someone so young to reach this milestone is an incredible achievement.
“Saturday will be a very special moment and one she deserves to enjoy.”
England side to face Wales
15. Emily Scott
14. Lydia Thompson
13. Emily Scarratt (C)
12. Amber Reed
11. Sarah McKenna
10. Katy Daley-Mclean
9 Leanne Riley
1. Vickii Cornborough
2. Amy Cokayne
3. Shaunagh Brown
4. Poppy Cleall
5. Zoe Aldcroft
6. Harriet Millar-Mills
7. Vicky Fleetwood
8. Sarah Beckett
Replacements
16. Heather Kerr
17. Hannah Botterman
18. Sarah Bern
19. Sarah Hunter
20. Amelia Harper
21. Natasha Hunt
22. Zoe Harrison
23. Mia Venner