Red Roses team named for Women's Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France

John Mitchell's side are in the hunt for an eighth consecutive Women's Six Nations title, and target a fifth Grand Slam out in Bordeaux. England enter the fray having last lost to France all the way back in 2018, as this seemingly unstoppable era of Red Roses dominance sees the world champions enjoy a record 36-match Test winning streak ahead of this weekend.

Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati have recovered from injury to feature in the Red Roses pack in Sunday’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations match against France.

The trio all missed the victory in Italy last time out and line up at second row, openside flanker and Number 8 respectively. In total, head coach John Mitchell has made seven changes to his side that started the Round 4 match against Italy, at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

Jess Breach and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald return to the wings, resulting in Ellie Kildunne switching back to full-back, while Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern start at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively. Captain Megan Jones has played every available minute so far in the tournament and has partnered Helena Rowland in the centre each match. Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison combine in the half-back positions for a third away match in a row.

Versatile forward Abi Burton is named at blindside flanker behind ever-present hooker Amy Cokayne and lock Delaney Burns. Kelsey Clifford misses out due to a leg injury.

“France are a quality side, and we’ve got a huge amount of respect for what they bring and the way they play the game,” Mitchell said.

“To face them in Bordeaux - in the heart of the south-west, a region so passionate about rugby with a vocal home crowd behind them - is exactly the sort of challenge the girls relish, embrace and walk towards. With that support comes expectation and pressure, and Francois has already laid down the challenge to his players.

“This tournament has demanded adaptability and the ability to learn quickly from us throughout. The girls have stayed connected, composed and continued to grow within our new attacking identity. I’m proud of the way the players have competed for positions, pushed one another every day and earned the right to contest for the Championship.

“We understand the significance of the performance ahead and what it would mean to us, but our focus remains firmly on trusting our game, staying present, being courageous, creating stronger connections and continuing to act selflessly for one another, throughout this tournament.”

15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 61 caps)

14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 56 caps)

13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 37 caps) - captain

12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 50 caps)

11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 39 caps)

10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 69 caps)

9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 43 caps)

1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 27 caps)

2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 93 caps)

3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 83 caps)

4 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps)

5 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 5 caps)

6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 8 caps)

7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 31 caps)

8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 26 caps)

16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 23 caps)

17 Liz Crake (Saracens, 2 caps)

18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 52 caps)

19 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 3 caps)

20 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 115 caps)

21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 4 caps)

22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 48 caps)

23 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 16 caps)