Chiefs duo to feature for Red Roses in Ottawa

Back-rower Maddie Feaunati and scrum-half Flo Robinson have both been selected in the Red Roses match side for the third match of their test series against Canada in the WXV Global Series.

The game, which takes place on Friday, 23 October, will kick-off at 19:10 Canadian time [00:10 UK time on Saturday 24] at TD Place.

Head coach John Mitchell makes four changes to his starting XV following a narrow defeat to the Canadians in Toronto last weekend. The changes include Mia Venner replacing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald on the wing while Robinson takes Natasha Hunt’s spot on the bench.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach Oli Bishop said: “Over the last two games of England versus Canada, we’ve seen two really hard-fought games where actually, defence for the vast majority of the game has been on top for both sides. Though that’s probably what you’re going to see with two of the best teams in the world going head-to-head.

“The key thing is how to get more attacking momentum. That’s why I think Flo coming off the bench will be key for this game. She creates really good speed of ball, which will increase an attack’s momentum.

“I think her standout point, compared to the other two scrum-halves, is her threat around the breakdown and her running game. If you get speed of ball as well as having a nine that is always a constant threat, it’s always going to open up opportunities either for her as an individual or for the whole team.

“I think there’s a huge opportunity this weekend for Flo to help England improve their attacking dominance and create chances for the side.”

There are returns to the side as well for Gloucester-Hartpury’s Emma Sing and Loughborough Lightning duo Helena Rowland and Sadia Kabeya.

Canada currently lead the three-match series, with this weekend’s game marking the third test match in 34 days for the two sides.

Mitchell said: “Friday is our first chance to respond. Last Frday, we lost sight of what we could control when it mattered most; that’s on us to fix. This week is about getting back to who we are: hungry, accountable to each other and demanding more of ourselves than anyone outside this group ever could.

“We’ve earned a strong period, but nothing about it is owed to us going forward. Friday is an opportunity apply sustained pressure, learn from what we missed and come out the other side better than we went in.”

Red Roses:

15 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 60 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 42 caps) - captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 55 caps)
11 Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 5 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 74 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 48 caps)

1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 95 caps) – vice captain
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 88 caps)
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 33 caps)
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 12 caps)
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 13 caps)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 35 caps)
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 31 caps)

Replacements
16 Bryony Field (Saracens, 4 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 32 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 57 caps)
19 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
20 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 85 caps)
21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 6 caps)
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 50 caps)
23 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)