Loughborough Lightning’s Sadia Kabeya is set to earn her first international cap as Red Roses prepare to tackle Canada in their penultimate autumn international clash this weekend.
Simon Middleton’s side head to Twickenham Stoop after posting a record 56-15 win over Black Ferns at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens last weekend, and England will look to extend their 16-match unbeaten run on Sunday 14 November (kick-off: 2.30pm).
And flanker Kabeya is set to earn her first Red Roses cap as she is named in the starting back row alongside fellow Loughborough star and captain Sarah Hunter, while Helena Rowland starts at centre for the second week running and Lightning hooker Lark Davies begins the clash on the bench.
Head coach Middleton said: “I’m delighted with the results and performances of our opening two games against New Zealand, both of which were also fantastic occasions. Our attentions have now shifted and we are fully focussed on Sunday’s game against Canada.
“We’re delighted to give two players their first caps. Sadia has been brilliant since she came into camp in pre-season. She’s a fantastic athlete and someone we’ve been aware of for a long time. A winger’s job is to score tries and Heather Cowell does just that. The way she goes about her business is brilliant. Both players deserve their starts.
“Canada are a very strong and physical side and we know we need to be at our best to come out on top. Preparations have gone well this week and we’re all looking forward to Sunday’s game.”
RED ROSES vs CANADA WOMEN
Sunday 14 November, 2021
Twickenham Stoop
Kick-off: 2.30pm
15 Sarah McKenna (Saracens, 38 caps)
14 Heather Cowell (Harlequins, uncapped)
13 Lagi Tuima (Harlequins, 10 caps)
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 8 caps)
11 Abby Dow (Wasps, 20 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 32 caps)
9 Claudia MacDonald (Wasps, 17 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 24 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 59 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 38 caps)
4 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 26 caps)
5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 49 caps)
6 Sarah Hunter (C; Loughborough Lightning, 128 caps)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)
8 Poppy Cleall (VC; Saracens, 49 caps)
Replacements:
16 Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 33 caps)
17 Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 62 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Wasps, 2 caps)
19 Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps, 64 caps)
20 Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 43 caps)
21 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 78 caps)
22 Leanne Infante (Bristol Bears, 46 caps)
23 Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 2 caps)
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