England Women’s team announced for France clash by Julia Hutton

England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street has made ten changes to his starting line-up for Thursday’s Nations Cup clash against France, kick-off 930pm BST in Toronto.

Saracens’ Charlotte Barras has been handed the captaincy armband with Bristol’s Catherine Spencer being rested. Barras also moves from fullback to the wing in place of Richmond’s Fiona Pocock. Team Northumbria’s Danielle Waterman comes in at fullback.

England head into the match with confidence after a comfortable 36-7 victory over the USA on Monday. France, meanwhile, managed to secure a 17-17 draw against South Africa in the opening round of the tournament.

Street said: “This is a four match tournament played over a short period of time so it’s important to keep the squad fresh and to give all the players their chance.

“As we know from the RBS 6 Nations France are always tough opposition. They have announced a much stronger team for this match compared to the team that drew against South Africa so we are definitely expecting another physical clash. However, we have confidence in our preparations and know that if we are on top of our game we’ll be a match for anyone.”

You can watch all the Nations Cup games on http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-rugby

England

15 Danielle Waterman Team Northumbria
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
13 Claire Allan Saracens
12 Kim Oliver Bristol Rugby
11 Charlotte Barras Saracens Captain
10 Katy Mclean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
9 Amy Turner Richmond
1 Claire Purdy Wasps
2 Amy Garnett Saracens
3 Katy Storie Team Northumbria
4 Rebecca Essex Richmond
5 Jo McGilchrist Wasps
6 Sarah Hunter Lichfield
7 Gemma Sharples Worcester
8 Karen Jones Richmond
Replacements:
16 Sophie Hemming Bristol
17 Rochelle Clark Team Northumbria
18 Sarah Beale Lichfield
19 Heather Fisher Wasps
20 Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
21 Alice Richardson Richmond
22 Emily Scarratt Lichfield

Nations Cup Table

England 5
France 2
South Africa 2
USA 0
Canada 0 (still to play a game)

England Nations Cup playing schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto. KO’s all BST

England v USA August 10th KO 1130pm WON 36-7
England v France August 13th KO 630pm
England v South Africa August 19th KO 930pm
England v Canada August 22nd KO 10pm