Davies on bench as England seek Grand Slam

Valkyries captain Lark Davies will be on the bench for England Women when they attempt to complete a Six Nations Grand Slam against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday (kick-off 7.3opm).

Hooker Davies started in  last weekend’s crushing victory over Italy at Exeter but Amy Cokayne of Wasps will start against Scotland having recovered from injury.

Head Coach Simon Middleton has made four more changes as England attempt to end their campaign with a fourth straight bonus point win.

Middleton said: “We’re excited for Vicky Fleetwood who has earned the opportunity to make her first start this weekend and it’s great to have Amy Cokayne back in the side after she missed out last weekend.

“Natasha Hunt and Leanne Riley both performed extremely well against Italy and this weekend will be great opportunity to provide Natasha with more XVs game-time. We’re very fortunate that we have two in-form players in that position and we’re comfortable starting and finishing either of them.

“Cath O’Donnell has been outstanding for us this tournament; the consistency of her performances has been exceptional. She’s played a lot of minutes over the last four rounds which is why we have named her on the bench for this fixture.

“I’m really pleased with how we’ve progressed throughout this competition and the results so far have been a reflection of the hard work that’s gone on off the field.

“I want to see us perform at a higher level for an extended period against Scotland – if we deliver this then I’m sure we’ll get the result that we want.

“Scotland will be ultra-competitive this weekend. They’re a hard-working side and will be looking to finish their tournament on a high.”

The two sides last met in the 2018 Women’s Six Nations where England defeated Scotland 43-8.

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 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury)
1 Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women)
2 Amy Cokayne (Wasps Ladies)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears Women)
4 Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women)
5 Abbie Scott (Harlequins Ladies)
6 Sarah Beckett (Firwood Waterloo)
7 Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens Women)
8. Sarah Hunter  (Loughborough Lightning( (C)

Replacements
16 Lark Davies (Worcester Valkyries)
17 Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Ladies)
18 Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Ladies)
19 Catherine O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning)
20 Marlie Packer (Saracens Women)
21 Leanne Riley (Harlequins Ladies)
22 Rachael Burford (Harlequins Ladies)
23 Emily Scott (Harlequins Ladies)

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