England have made six changes as they look to halt their two-match losing run when they face the USA in their final WXV Global Series outing in New Jersey.
The Red Roses were beaten in back-to-back games for the first time in a decade when their 41-Test unbeaten run came to an end against Canada, who were then triumphant again a week later.
Head coach John Mitchell has reacted to the result in Ottawa by making extensive changes for Friday’s match, including a first start for scrum-half Flo Robinson.
Having featured in both Canada games at fly-half, Zoe Harrison is demoted to the bench with Holly Aitchison taking over as chief playmaker and there are returns for wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and centre Tatyana Heard.
The promotion of Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir to the front row completes the changes, with Ellie Kildunne remaining on the bench.
“Our intent is to start this next phase strongly against the USA, with six months until our next Test in the Six Nations,” Mitchell said.
“We’re rotating some positions this week to refresh the group, create opportunities and continue building our depth.
“Selection is driven by what the team needs against the USA, the behaviours we value and the performance we’re preparing to deliver.
“Everyone has a role, and everyone is accountable for our standards.”
England team to face the USA
England: 15 Emma Sing, 14 Mia Venner, Meg Jones (c), 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Flo Robinson; 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Maud Muir; 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Lilli Ives Campion; 6 Abi Burton, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Maddie Feaunati.
Replacements: 16 Bryony Field, 17 Hannah Botterman, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Demelza Short, 20 Alex Matthews; 21 Natasha Hunt, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Ellie Kildunne.
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