Lark Davies is recalled to the starting line-up and joins Lydia Thompson as England take on New Zealand in the final game of the Women’s Rugby Super Series in San Diego on Sunday 14 July (kick-off 9pm BST live on Sky Sports Action)
Davies is named as hooker with Thompson on the wing with both Warriors Women having played their part in England’s first three wins in the competition in San Diego.
The Red Roses head into the match top of the table on 13 points with three wins from three, beating USA, Canada and France. The Black Ferns are on 10 points having beaten Canada and USA with bonus points, but were defeated by France in their last outing.
Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “We’re really looking forward to facing New Zealand in what should be a great end to the Super Series.
“We’ve shown real character in the past two matches to come away with late victories and we saw a significant step up in our performance against France. However, we know we will have to go up another level this Sunday as we’re facing the world champions.
“The belief and focus of the squad has been evident in our preparation and now it is about delivering that on the field this Sunday.”
England’s win over France has seen them provisionally go top of the World Rugby rankings and a win against New Zealand will see them officially be crowned the world’s number one team.
England Women
15 Sarah McKenna (Saracens Women)
14 Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors Women)
13 Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning)
12 Emily Scott (Harlequins Ladies)
11 Claudia Macdonald (Wasps FC Ladies)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women)
9 Leanne Riley (Harlequins Ladies)
1 Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Ladies)
2 Lark Davies (Worcester Warriors Women)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears Women)
4 Catherine O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning)
5 Abbie Scott (Harlequins Ladies)
6 Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens Women)
8 Sarah Hunter (capt) (Loughborough Lightning)
Replacements
16 Heather Kerr (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
17 Ellena Perry (Saracens Women)
18 Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women)
19 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury Women)
20 Sarah Beckett (Firwood Waterloo Ladies)
21 Amber Reed (Bristol Bears Women)
22 Millie Wood (Gloucester-Hartpury Women)
23 Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury Women)
England’s Super Series 2019
England 38-5 USA
England 19-17 Canada
England 20-18 France
England v New Zealand – Sunday 14 July – 9pm