Red Roses make six changes but Kildunne on bench again
Head coach John Mitchell makes six changes to the Red Roses squad to face the USA in New Jersey, but 2024 world player of the year Ellie Kildunne remains on the bench.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- John Mitchell makes six changes to the Red Roses lineup for Friday's match against the USA in New Jersey.
- Ellie Kildunne, 27, remains among the replacements despite her 2024 World Rugby player of the year status.
- Emma Sing retains her starting spot after Kildunne was dropped following a 31-22 defeat to Canada.
- Four of the changes occur in the backs, giving first tour starts to Tatyana Heard and teammates.
England head coach John Mitchell has named his side to face the USA in New Jersey on Friday, opting to make six changes to his starting lineup following their recent outing.
The 27-year-old fullback Ellie Kildunne, who plays for Bristol Bears, was previously dropped for last Saturday's 31-22 defeat by Canada in Ottawa. Mitchell stated at the time that she needed to demonstrate greater consistency. Despite earning 67 caps, winning World Rugby's player of the year award in 2024, and starring in the Red Roses' 2025 World Cup victory, Kildunne must settle for a place on the bench once again.
With Emma Sing keeping her place in the starting XV, Kildunne will have to impact the game as a replacement alongside her fellow substitutes.
Benched star player situations like this highlight John Mitchell's uncompromising selection policy. By maintaining strict performance criteria regardless of past accolades and global awards, the coaching staff aims to foster relentless squad depth and individual accountability ahead of future international fixtures.
Four of Mitchell's adjustments occur within the backline. Tatyana Heard, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Flo Robinson, and Holly Aitchison have all been handed their first starts of the current tour. Meanwhile, in the forward pack, Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir replace Hannah Botterman and Sarah Bern.
Discussing the rationale behind the squad rotation, Mitchell explained that the coaching staff is refreshing the group to create opportunities and build squad depth. Selection is determined by tactical needs against the USA, team values, and performance standards.
"We're rotating some positions this week to refresh the group, create opportunities and continue building our depth."
John Mitchell
The replacements bench for Friday's fixture features Field, Botterman, Bern, Short, Matthews, Hunt, Harrison, and Kildunne as England looks to bounce back from their previous defeat.
Source: BBC Sport
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