Loughborough Lightning duo Cath O’Donnell and Sadia Kabeya both start for the Red Roses this weekend, as England take on Wales.
The TikTok Women’s Six Nations clash kicks off at 2.15pm on Saturday afternoon at Cardiff Arms Park, with the match being broadcast live on BBC Two.
O’Donnell and Kabeya are primed for their 26th and 11th caps respectively after being selected by England head coach Simon Middleton, having both also started the resounding 68-5 triumph over Italy in Northampton a fortnight ago.
“We’re really looking forward to Saturday’s game in Cardiff,” said Middleton. “We’re pleased to welcome back key personnel to the matchday squad. Our sports science team deserve great credit for their tireless efforts over the past few months and have yet again returned players safely ahead of schedule.
“Wales have had a strong start to the tournament and will present a tough challenge. Ioan [Cunningham] has assembled a strong group who are continually adapting to professionalism. The growth in the physical profile and synergy of the team has been really evident in the Six Nations so far and it promises to be a great contest.
“England against Wales is always a massive occasion. It’s great to see Cardiff Arms Park is a sell-out and it will generate a fantastic atmosphere. It’s a challenge I know the players and staff are looking forward to and will relish.”
Red Roses team to play Wales
15 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 4 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 26 caps)
13 Lagi Tuima (Harlequins, 14 caps)
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 11 caps)
11 Abby Dow (Harlequins, 32 caps)
10 Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 17 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 11 caps)
1 Mackenzie Carson (Saracens, 2 caps)
2 Lark Davies (Bristol Bears, 46 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 54 caps)
4 Zoe Aldcroft (VC; Gloucester Hartpury, 40 caps)
5 Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 25 caps)
6 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 10 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (C; Saracens, 91 caps)
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 56 caps)
Replacements:
16 May Campbell (Saracens, uncapped)
17 Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 34 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps)
19 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 1 cap)
20 Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury, 26 caps)
21 Ella Wyrwas (Saracens, 2 caps)
22 Sarah McKenna (Saracens, 44 caps)
23 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 31 caps)
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