Helena Rowland is set to win her 50th cap for England as the Red Roses face Italy in Parma, with head coach John Mitchell handing a debut to Brisbane-born back row Haidee Head.
Rowland's Milestone
The versatile Rowland, who has started in every backline position except scrum-half since her debut in October 2020, will reach the half-century mark at the same ground where she began her international career. Throughout this Women's Six Nations campaign, she has started every match at inside centre in the absence of Tatyana Heard.
Debut for Haidee Head
Haidee Head, 21, has been rewarded for her impressive form since joining Trailfinders from the Queensland Reds. The back row qualifies for England through her mother and will provide flanker cover from the bench.
Veteran number eight Alex Matthews has been officially ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, Sadia Kabeya and Lilli Ives Campion are unavailable, with both players rehabilitating in camp with a view to potential involvement next weekend against France.
Team Changes and Momentum
Mitchell has refreshed his back three, with Emma Sing and Mia Venner returning to the starting side and Ellie Kildunne shifting to the wing. England have secured victories over Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in their first three games, while Italy produced a statement 41-14 win over Scotland in round three.
“This week is about re-establishing our processes and sharpening our focus now that we have new purpose,” Mitchell said. “We’ve had a deliberate reset around learning where we will need to improve, we trust the way we play, and now it’s time to get back to it. We’ve built momentum throughout this tournament by stacking strong moments together, and that will be crucial again this week. Italy will be full of confidence after their result against Scotland, and they’ll challenge us in different ways.”
England XV to Face Italy
Starting XV: 1 Kelsey Clifford, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Maud Muir; 4 Abi Burton, 5 Delaney Burns; 6 Demelza Short, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati; 9 Lucy Packer, 10 Zoe Harrison; 11 Ellie Kildunne, 12 Helena Rowland, 13 Meg Jones, 14 Mia Venner; 15 Emma Sing.
Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Haidee Head; 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Claudia Moloney-McDonald.
The match against Italy takes place on Saturday, 9 May at 2pm BST in Parma.
