TEAM NEWS | Worcester Warriors vs Saracens Women (AP15s Rd16)
Fly half Holly Aitchison is hoping that her side can continue to build on "a really good step forward" against Exeter.
Last weekend, Saracens returned to league action with a crucial victory at home against the then-league leaders and Aitchison feels that the squad are beginning to find their groove at just the right time.
"It was a really good atmosphere at home. Leading into the run-up to the play-offs, there's a chance that we could come up against Exeter again, so it was really good to get over the mental challenge of playing a team like that."
Whilst Saracens secured a bonus point victory, they did let Exeter back into the match as the game progressed. Aitchison has challenged her teammates to put in a full performance for the entire eighty minutes on Saturday.
"I think we were pleased with the end result, but there are still loads of things to work on. One of those is performing for the full eighty minutes. We let Exeter get away from us in the last twenty minutes, so we need to work on that heading into Worcester."
Ahead of this one, Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry has made several changes to the matchday squad.
In the front row, Hannah Botterman continues after a try scoring return to Sarries colours last weekend, alongside Jodie Rettie and Alex Ellis. Ellis comes into the side in place of Kelsey Clifford, who drops to the bench, alongside May Campbell.
In the second row, Poppy Cleall returns to the matchday side, to partner Louise McMillan. In the back row, Grace Moore comes into the side at openside flanker, with Georgia Evans and Marlie Packer joining her in the backrow.
The backline is unchanged from last weekend's victory. Leanne Infante and Holly Aitchison continue at halfback, with Sarah McKenna and Sydney Gregson named in the centres.
The back three also remains unchanged, with Jess Breach joined by Lotte Clapp and Coreen Grant, after the two wingers both scored on their return to league action last weekend.
Amongst the replacements, Mackenzie Carson could make her first appearance since making her international debut, with the aforementioned Campbell and Clifford ready to add firepower from the bench.
Fi McIntosh and Sharifa Kasolo will provide the additional forwards cover, whilst Ella Wyrwas, Flo Williams and Isla Alejandro will look to make an impact in the backline.
The Warriors may be out of play-off contention, but Aitchison is expecting a big battle against Jo Yapp's side, as they look to finish with a bang.
"Worcester are a physical side. We're expecting a big battle upfront. We respect everyone, no matter their league position, so we're hoping we come away with the win."
Saracens Women's Team vs Worcester:
- Hannah Botterman
- Jodie Rettie
- Alex Ellis
- Louise McMillan
- Poppy Cleall
- Georgia Evans
- Grace Moore
- Marlie Packer (co-captain)
- Leanne Infante
- Holly Aitchison
- Lotte Clapp (co-captain)
- Sarah McKenna
- Sydney Gregson
- Coreen Grant
- Jess Breach
Replacements: - May Campbell
- Mackenzie Carson
- Kelsey Clifford
- Fi McIntosh
- Sharifa Kasolo
- Ella Wyrwas
- Flo Williams
- Isla Alejandro
