Test stalwart Sarah Hunter is set to become England’s joint most capped player in their Rugby World Cup game against France on Saturday.
The 37-year-old will move level with Rocky Clark on 137 caps after she was named in the starting line-up at number eight for the Red Roses’ second pool clash.
She’s joined in England‘s back-row by Saracens flanker Marlie Packer, who replaces Sadia Kabeya at openside, in the only change to Simon Middleton’s 23.
Thumped Fiji in their opener
England come into the match on the back of a brutal 84-19 bonus-point win over Fiji in Auckland last week, which kick started their World Cup campaign.
“Our aim was always to field a consistent side for our opening two matches,” head coach Middleton said in a statement as he looks forward to facing France.
“The wider squad are all aware of the situation and what they need to do to earn their place.
“As a coaching group, we know it’s far easier to play than not play in competitions but that doesn’t diminish anyone’s role, the part they play or the responsibility they hold.
“Whatever we achieve will be down to the squad not the team. We arrived as a 32 and we stand or fall as a 32.”
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On her milestone fixture, Hunter said: “It’s something that as a player you can’t control, and for me my goal is always just to be the best version that I can be, to play for the team and get selected.
“I wanted to be put in that category with someone like Clark who has just been an absolute legend for the game, and to be alongside her now as the most-capped player is really special and it will be a really proud moment for me.”
Huge challenge against France
England’s opponents this weekend also come into the game after an opening win, as France beat South Africa 40-5 in a bonus-point success of their own.
“France always present a huge challenge and this time it will be no different,” continued Middleton.
“They have a new-look coaching set-up since we last played and we look forward to another big test and what I expect to be a close contest.”
England scored 14 tries against Fiji, with wing Claudia MacDonald claiming four of those and she will be keen to add to her tally in a mouth-watering tie.