Davies to start for England against Italy

Valkyries captain Lark Davies returns to England’s starting line-up as they continue their quest for a Grand Slam in the Women’s Six Nations against Italy at Sandy Park in Exeter on Saturday (kick-off 12.05pm).

Davies started in the victories over Ireland and France but was on the bench for the victory over Wales in Cardiff two weeks ago.

But the Valkyries hooker returns to the side as one of six changes made by England Head Coach Simon Middleton.

“We are hugely excited about this upcoming game and are under no illusion that it’s going to be a tough contest. This is just as big a game for Italy as it is for us and they will be going into this match well-organised and energised,” Middleton said.

“Having put in three strong performances so far we are confident but we want to keep improving and this weekend it will be about pushing ourselves to be as good as we can be; we need to deliver a comprehensive performance where we are disciplined in our attack.

“Having Emily Scarratt back in the side this weekend is huge for us and you only have to look at the quality of players named on the bench to see the strength and depth that we’ve developed within this squad.”

England will play in front of a record ticketed home crowd for a non-Rugby World Cup game on Saturday with Middleton adding: “Knowing that we’ll be playing to a record crowd at Sandy Park will give the side a real boost. Having the opportunity to take the Red Roses across the country is brilliant for the growth of the women’s game.”

The two sides last met in the 2018 Six Nations where England defeated Italy 42-7.

England Women

15 Sarah McKenna (Saracens Women)
14 Jess Breach (Harlequins Ladies)
13 Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning)
12 Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women)
11 Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury)
10 Katy Daley-Mclean (Loughborough Lightning)
9 Leanne Riley (Harlequins Ladies)

1 Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Ladies)
2 Lark Davies (Worcester Valkyries)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears Women)
4 Catherine O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning)
5 Abbie Scott (Harlequins Ladies)
6 Sarah Beckett (Firwood Waterloo Ladies)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens Women)
8 Sarah Hunter  (Loughborough Lightning)

Replacements
16 Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens Women)
17. Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women)
18. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Ladies)
19. Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women)
20. Jo Brown (Loughborough Lightning)
21. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury)
22. Rachael Burford (Harlequins Ladies)
23. Emily Scott (Harlequins Ladies)

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