Rowland starts as much-changed England face Ireland

Helena Rowland has been named in the starting lineup for England’s Women’s Six Nations debut against Ireland, following her role as a substitute in the Rugby World Cup final. The utility back, who has represented her country across all backline positions except scrum-half, will take on the inside centre role in a roster featuring eight new faces compared to the team that secured England’s first World Cup victory in 11 years. This lineup shift includes the inclusion of Tatyana Heard, who was sidelined with a foot injury after playing a key part in the September win over Canada.

The team includes a fresh half-back combination, with Lucy Packer and Holly Aitchison stepping in for Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison. Loughborough Lightning lock Lilli Ives Campion replaces Abbie Ward in the front row, marking one of four pregnancies among England’s female players. Megan Jones will captain the side after Zoe Stratford’s announcement of her pregnancy in March.

Retired England wing Abby Dow, a consistent performer under head coach John Mitchell, is replaced by Claudia Moloney-MacDonald from Exeter Chiefs, who was part of the World Cup squad. Kelsey Clifford and Sarah Bern are named in the front row, while Maddie Feaunati starts on the blind-side. Bristol Bears prop Hannah Botterman, a standout performer at the World Cup, is omitted from the starting XI. Loughborough’s 19-year-old forward Haineala Lutui could make her debut from the bench in the second row.

Team Composition for the Match

England’s lineup for Saturday’s encounter includes: Kildunne; Breach, Jones (capt), Rowland, Moloney-MacDonald; Aitchison, L Packer; Clifford, Cokayne, Bern, Talling, Ives Campion, Feaunati, Kabeya, Matthews. Replacements: Powell, Carson, Muir, Lutui, Burton, Hunt, Harrison, Sing.

England v Ireland Women’s Six Nations Saturday, 11 April, kick-off 14:25 BST Allianz Stadium Watch live on BBC One, iPlayer and online; updates on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds; live text and video highlights on BBC Sport website and app

King returns to captain Ireland in Six Nations

England’s squad, currently on a 33-game winning streak, aims to extend their dominance in the tournament and pursue a fifth consecutive Grand Slam. The match will be England’s first since claiming the World Cup title, with over 70,000 tickets sold for the game. The team will face Ireland at the Allianz Stadium, where a crowd of more than 82,000 is expected.

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