Red Roses name two Chiefs players in starting line up

Two Exeter Chiefs players are in the starting line up for the second Summer Series Test match against Canada tomorrow (Saturday) at StoneX Stadium, (KO 3pm)

Interim head coach Louis Deacon has freshened up his Red Roses starting XV and named Maisy Allen and Claudia MacDonald.

Nine new faces come in for starts including Allen at openside flanker, who scored on her international debut last time out as England defeated the Canadians 50-24.

A new-look front row in the form of Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne and Maud Muir will take to the field with Sarah Beckett coming into the second row, partnered by Zoe Aldcroft. Captain Marlie Packer switches to Number 8 and Morwenna Talling remains at blindside flanker.

Four changes to the backline sees scrum-half Natasha Hunt, wing Claudia MacDonald and centre Megan Jones promoted from the bench, while Amber Reed is named in the midfield alongside the latter.

Ellie Kildunne - Player of the Match with two tries in the first Test – Holly Aitchison and Jess Breach continue at full-back, fly-half and wing respectively.

Among the replacements, Sophie Bridger is set for her first senior cap at the home of her new club, Saracens.

The match will be streamed live on the England Rugby YouTube and Facebook channels.

Red Roses attack coach Lou Meadows commented:

“It was great to see us put into practice a lot of things we have worked hard on throughout pre-season. We were proud of the girls’ ability to back themselves and make smart decisions whilst showing great variety in our attack. The exciting thing is we still have room for growth. Every player and member of staff is committed to ensuring we continue to build as a collective.”

Team to play Canada

Starting
15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 35 caps) 
14. Jess Breach (Saracens, 29 caps) 
13. Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 13 caps) 
12. Amber Reed (Bristol Bears, 65 caps)
11. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 29 caps)
10. Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 21 caps)
9. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 63 caps)
1. Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 38 caps) 
2. Amy Cokayne (Leicester Tigers, 72 caps)
3. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 21 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 44 caps)
5. Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury, 31 caps) 
6. Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 8 caps)
7. Maisy Allen (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
8. Marlie Packer – captain (Saracens, 95 caps)

Replacements
16. Connie Powell (Harlequins, 9 caps)
17. Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 6 caps)
18. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 58 caps) 
19. Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 28 caps)
20. Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 10 caps)
21. Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 15 caps)
22. Sophie Bridger (Saracens, uncapped)
23. Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 36 caps)