Holly Aitchison Returns as England Faces New Zealand

Holly Aitchison has been recalled to the fly-half position for England’s WXV match against world champions New Zealand this Sunday. Aitchison played in England’s two warm-up victories for the tournament but initially sat on the bench in favor of Zoe Harrison during last weekend’s win over the United States. Aitchison will join an experienced backline featuring Tatyana Heard and Helena Rowland in midfield while Jess Breach, Abby Dow and full-back Ellie Kildunne will make up the back three.

England forwards coach Louis Deacon highlighted the cohesion between Holly Aitchison and Helena Rowland emphasizing their versatility: “You saw last week that Holly moved to 12; Scaz [Emily Scarratt] can also play 12.” Morwenna Talling keeps her spot at blindside flanker and Maddie Feaunati will start on the bench. Prop Hannah Botterman one of ten changes in the starting lineup will earn her 50th cap.

Red Roses captain Marlie Packer praised Botterman’s resilience: “She has had a few knockbacks and big injuries but she has taken that all in her stride.” England recently won the inaugural WXV title against New Zealand and secured a 24-12 victory over the Black Ferns at Twickenham last month. However, New Zealand remains a formidable opponent having handed England their last defeat in the dramatic 2022 Rugby World Cup final.

The Black Ferns come into the match after suffering a surprising 29-27 loss to Ireland in their WXV1 opener. Packer expressed excitement about facing the world champions again, stating, “There are no better matches than the Red Roses against the Black Ferns and they will be wanting to put a few things right.”

England Squad

Starting XV: Kildunne; Dow, Rowland, Heard, Breach; Aitchison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Aldcroft, Ward, Talling, M. Packer, Matthews.
Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Carson, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L. Packer, Harrison, Scarratt.