Ashton Gate awaits reigning Women’s Six Nations champions England as they will look to build on their unbeaten start to the campaign. The Red Roses currently top the standings on ten points, tied with France. Whilst only ahead on points difference, they will have a chance to extent their lead on Saturday as they play fierce rivals Wales in Bristol.
Whilst on an impressive run of form, England have made wholesale changes for this upcoming game with seven changes to the side that defeated Scotland 7-84 at Murrayfield last weekend.
This comes due to head coach John Mitchell’s squad being short of some 10 players through a combination of injuries and pregnancies.
One of which coming into the squad is winger Millie David, who will make her England Red Roses debut. The remaining spots in the back-three go to another of the changes to the team as Claudia Moloney-MacDonald comes onto the left wing . This will allow for star-player Ellie Kildunne to shift to her preferred position of full-back.
For Wales, Bristol Bears flanker Alisha Joyce is set for her Wales comeback just five months after giving birth. Joyce is named among the replacements.
Given Joyce takes to the field, she will find herself taking to the first time with partner Jasmine Joyce since the birth of their son.
There is also a first start for Branwen Metcalfe, who will take the place of injured captain Kate Williams in the back row.
This means Bethan Lewis will take captaincy of the team from the opposite flank.
Whether Wales will be able to topple England’s streak of 35 Test wins in a row is yet to be seen, but expect a brilliant contest in one of the most fiercely competitive rivalries in rugby.
