England have been rocked by another major injury setback with Alex Matthews ruled out of the final two rounds of the Women’s Six Nations.
The Red Roses No.8 will go under the knife this week after damaging her shoulder during the opening-round 33-12 win over Ireland. The issue means she misses this weekend’s clash with Italy and the blockbuster title decider against France.
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It’s another headache for England’s medical staff. Lilli Ives Campion and Sadia Kabeya remain in camp pushing to prove their fitness ahead of the trip to Bordeaux, while Hannah Botterman and Morwenna Talling are also sidelined.
On top of that, England are without Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Lark Atkin-Davies and Rosie Galligan, who are all unavailable due to pregnancy.
Despite the growing injury list, England’s dominance hasn’t faltered. Their 62-24 demolition of Wales last time out marked a staggering 36th consecutive victory.
With silverware on the line, the Red Roses now head into the final stretch looking to finish the job — even with a squad stretched to its limits.
England XV:
E Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury); M Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury), M Jones (Trailfinders Women, capt), H Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), E Kildunne (Harlequins); Z Harrison (Saracens), L Packer (Harlequins); K Clifford (Saracens), A Cokayne (Sale Sharks), M Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), A Burton (Trailfinders Women), D Burns (Bristol Bears), D Short (Bristol Bears), M Packer (Saracens), M Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs).
Replacements:
C Powell (Harlequins), M Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury), S Bern (Bristol Bears), H Lutui (Loughborough Lightning), H Head (Trailfinders Women), F Robinson (Exeter Chiefs), H Aitchison (Sale Sharks), C Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs).
Results & Fixtures:
England 33-12 Ireland (April 11) – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Scotland 7-84 England (April 18) – Murrayfield, Edinburgh
England 62-24 Wales (April 25) – Ashton Gate, Bristol
Italy vs England (May 9) – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (3pm)
France vs England (May 17) – Stade Atlantique, Bordeaux (5.45pm)
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