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Red Roses

6 Mar 2020 | 6 min |

Red Roses v Wales Women: preview, teams and stats

The Red Roses go in a search of a fourth win of the Women's Six Nations as they face Wales Women in London.

In defence of the Grand Slam won last year England have beaten France, Scotland and Ireland and are looking for a fifth straight win in a row against the Welsh.

Simon Middleton has made five changes to the starting XV with hooker Amy Cokayne set to win her 50th cap. Harriet Millar-Mills makes her first England start since the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup while 17-year-old Mia Venner will make her Test debut if she comes on as a finisher.

Wales have made two changes as Natalia John comes in at lock and Hannah Jones is in at centre as they go in search of their first win of the tournament.

  • When? Saturday 7 March
  • Kick-off? 12:05 GMT
  • Where? Twickenham Stoop, London
  • Coverage? Watch on Sky One, Sky Sports Action and Mix, Sky Sports YouTube and EnglandRugby.com, follow on England Rugby Instagram and Twitter

ADVICE FOR FANS

With coronavirus (COVID-19) high in the news agenda, fans attending England against Wales games over the weekend may be concerned.

The Rugby Football Union is following advice from government and Public Health England and currently there is no recommendation for the cancellation or postponement of events in the United Kingdom. We will continue to monitor the situation and update information based on the latest government advice.

For more information you can go to this piece on our website about measures being taken. 

VIEWS FROM THE CAMP

England head coach Simon Middleton: “We have tremendous strength-in-depth which means there are always players who are unfortunate to miss out.

"England against Wales in any sport is an iconic fixture and we are very much looking forward to the game. There’s been a fantastic effort across the board in terms of ticket sales and we know the crowd at the Stoop will create a wonderful atmosphere.

“I’d like to give a special mention to Amy Cokayne on her 50th cap. For someone so young to reach this milestone is an incredible achievement. Saturday will be a very special moment and one she deserves to enjoy.”   

Wales coach Chris Horsman: “We know Saturday’s Test will be a huge challenge, England are one of the best teams in the world right now, if not the best.

“We always knew this would be a challenging championship and following a tough day against France, England will certainly be no easier. However, the girls are ready to test themselves again against the best, that’s what they want to do in order to improve ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. We are fulfilling our aims of growing depth in the squad by exposing players to this level of the game.

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS

  • Women’s Six Nations – 24 February 2019: Wales 12-51 England
  • Women’s Six Nations – 10 February 2018: England 52-0 Wales
  • Women’s Six Nations – 11 February 2017: Wales 0-63 England
  • Women’s Six Nations – 12 March 2016: England 20-13 Wales
  • Women’s Six Nations – 8 February 2015: Wales 13-0 England
  • Women’s Six Nations – 7 March 2014: England 35-3 Wales
  • Women’s Six Nations – 17 March 2013 – Wales 16-20 England
  • Women’s Six Nations – 25 February 2012 – England 33-0 Wales
  • Women’s Six Nations – 6 February 2011 – Wales 0-19 England
  • Women’s Six Nations – 6 February 2010 – England 31-0 Wales

KEY STATS

  • The Red Roses have won their last four meetings against Wales
  • Wales' only two wins ever against England came in 2015 and 2009
  • After that win in 2009, Wales went onto win their only Triple Crown in 2009
  • Wales are currently ranked ninth in the latest World Rugby rankings
  • Abby Dow is currently joint top try scorer Six Nations with four in three games, and has the most line breaks of any player with five
  • England have won 18 games in a row on home soil
  • Beth Lewis and Siwan Lillicrap of Wales are the top tacklers in the Women's Six Nations so far with 53 each
  • When last played Wales at home in 2018, also at Twickenham Stoop, Poppy Cleall and Ellie Kildunne both scored twice in an eight-try 52-0 wi
  • Amy Cokayne will win her 50th cap against Wales having made her debut in 2015 as an 18-year-old

TEAMS

England

15. Emily Scott, 14. Lydia Thompson, 13. Emily Scarratt (C), 12. Amber Reed, 11. Sarah McKenna, 10. Katy Daley-Mclean, 9 Leanne Riley; 1. Vickii Cornborough, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Shaunagh Brown, 4. Poppy Cleall, 5. Zoe Aldcroft, 6. Harriet Millar-Mills, 7. Vicky Fleetwood, 8. Sarah Beckett.

Finishers

16. Heather Kerr, 17. Hannah Botterman, 18. Sarah Bern, 19. Sarah Hunter, 20. Amelia Harper, 21. Natasha Hunt, 22. Zoe Harrison, 23. Mia Venner.

Wales

15. Kayleigh Powell 14. Lisa Neumann 13. Hannah Jones 12. Kerin Lake 11. Caitlin Lewis 10. Robyn Wilkins 9. Keira Bevan; 1. Gwenllian Pyrs 2. Kelsey Jones 3. Cerys Hale 4. Georgia Evans 5. Natalia John 6. Alisha Butchers 7. Bethan Lewis 8. Siwan Lillicrap (capt)

Replacements

16. Molly Kelly 17. Cara Hope 18. Ruth Lewis 19. Gwen Crabb 20. Robyn Lock 21. Ffion Lewis 22. Hannah Bluck 23. Lauren Smyth. 

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