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Rugby Union Aug 31, 2026

Women's Six Nations: England's Red Roses change seven for Wales as wing Millie David given debut

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Women's Six Nations: England's Red Roses change seven for Wales as wing Millie David given debut

England's Red Roses have made seven changes to their side ahead of facing Wales in Saturday's Women's Six Nations round three clash, with wing Millie David in for her Test debut.

John Mitchell's squad, who are shorn of some 10 players through a combination of injuries and pregnancies, are two victories from two in the championship so far, having beaten Ireland 33-12 at Twickenham and thrashing Scotland 84-7 at Murrayfield.

Alongside David in the back-three, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald comes onto the left wing with Ellie Kildunne shifted back to full-back - Emma Sing dropping out of the squad and Jess Breach down to the bench.

Elsewhere, Holly Aitchison replaces Zoe Harrison at fly-half, while props Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern, lock Delaney Burns and back-row Marlie Packer come in to start.

Loosehead Kelsey Clifford and tighthead Maud Muir are rotated onto the bench, as is 19-year-old flanker Demelza Short having made her Test debut in Edinburgh last week.

The centre pairing is unchanged in captain Megan Jones and Helena Rowland, while Lucy Packer retains her place at scrum-half.

Hooker Amy Cokayne, lock Abi Burton and back-rows Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati are the other players to keep their starting places from last week.

"Last weekend was a special performance by the team at Murrayfield and one the whole squad and staff can be proud of, but we've already left that behind us," head coach Mitchell said.

"This week is about being clear on where our game is strong and where we need to improve. Wales are a side that over-commit at the contest, which will challenge us in a different way. It's one we're looking forward to, and an opportunity to keep evolving our game beyond the level we've started to build.

"Under Sean Lynn, Wales are improving, playing with greater clarity and enthusiasm, and we know we'll have to earn that right again.

"For us, it's about elevating our game. That means being courageous in our skillsets, building better connections, and owning our decisions. I love this side when it embraces those challenges, especially in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate."

Red Roses: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Millie David, 13 Megan Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Abi Burton, 5 Delaney Burns, 6 Sadia Kabeya, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati.

Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Demelza Short, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Jess Breach.

England backs coach Emily Scarratt to Your Site on what Millie David will bring…

"Well, definitely a lot of pace.

"I think if you've paid attention to the PWR (Premiership Women's Rugby) over the last couple of seasons, she's been tearing up the touchline for Bristol Bears. That's what we want from her.

"She's been great in training and what an amazing opportunity for her on her home ground to get out there in her first camp."

England backs coach Scarratt to Your Site on their strength in depth…

"I think it's got to be the strength of the league and the PWR. You know, we're getting so many players amazing exposure to really top-quality rugby and top-quality players around them and against them. I think that's massive.

Obviously the system that we have in terms of the U18s, U21s, the pathway is really strong, and we've needed it in this tournament, we've had a fair few injuries.

"I think it's credit to our strength in depth as to how we're still going."

England backs coach Scarratt to Your Site on 35 Test wins in a row and 65 wins out of 66…

"There's definitely no complacency with our lot. Their competitive edge to continue to get better is never in question.

"And they're always trying to drive standards. We're always bringing through a younger crop.

"Obviously, there are a fair few changes from the World Cup with natural pregnancies and retirees and whatnot, so it's a good group that are consistently trying to push those boundaries.

"As coaches, obviously, I'm pretty new to it, but it's about keeping the same culture and mentality of how we play the game, but just with little tweaks to keep it nice and fresh.

"We have an amazing opportunity to definitely put ourselves up there just in terms of facts and records as one of the best sporting teams out there. But definitely, the job is not done yet."

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