"13 Changes" - England team to play Samoa - Women's Rugby World Cup

Winger Jess Breach, who is just one try away from reaching 50 for her country, retains her place in the backline. She is joined on the opposite wing by Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, who makes her return from injury, while Emma Sing is promoted to full-back. In midfield, Jade Shekells partners Megan Jones, as Helena Rowland starts at fly-half and Lucy Packer taking the scrum-half role.

Up front, Mitchell has named a completely new-look front row of Kelsey Clifford, Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern, while Lilli Ives Campion and Rosie Galligan form the second-row partnership. The back row sees Abi Burton make her Rugby World Cup debut at blindside flanker, with former captain Marlie Packer at openside and Maddie Feaunati starting at number eight.

On the bench, Mitchell has further firepower in the form of May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir as front row cover, while Morwenna Talling and Sadia Kabeya provide options in the pack. Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison are named as backs replacements, alongside the versatile Ellie Kildunne.

Mitchell’s decision to rotate so heavily underlines the strength in depth available to the Red Roses. With England tipped as strong favourites to lift a fifth World Cup crown on home soil, this match offers valuable game time to a wider pool of players while ensuring the squad remains fresh for the challenges ahead.

England face Samoa on Saturday, 30 August at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, with kick-off scheduled for 4:45pm UK time (3:45am Sunday NZ).

Replacements:
16. May Campbell
17. Mackenzie Carson
18. Maud Muir
19. Morwenna Talling
20. Sadia Kabeya
21. Natasha Hunt
22. Zoe Harrison
23. Ellie Kildunne