Four Saracens named to take on Ireland
Four Saracens have been named by Head Coach Simon Middleton to take on Ireland in round four of the TikTok Six Nations.
After a physical encounter last weekend against Wales, Hannah Botterman is named to start at loosehead prop, after marking her return to play with a try off the bench in Cardiff.
She is joined in the pack by captain Marlie Packer, whilst Holly Aitchison will continue to pull the strings at 10, after another impressive display against Wales.
Mackenzie Carson reverts to the bench for this one and, with England knowing that a victory will secure the Triple Crown and set up a Grand Slam decider at Twickenham.
Middleton was pleased with what his side showed against Wales and explained that his side will have to be at their best to secure victory in Ireland.
"We were really pleased with the win in Wales in what was a difficult game. Our defence was outstanding. We go into this game knowing there are areas we need to improve on and we are determined to do that. Ireland are experiencing a period of transition at the moment. We know they are a very passionate nation and we will need to be at our best to perform and earn the desired result.”
Hooker May Campbell made her debut for England last weekend, but Middleton has chosen to shuffle his pack for this fixture, as he praised Campbell at the returning Botterman for their impact.
“We are pleased to welcome Connie Powell back into the team. May Campbell has done really well for us but we feel Connie is right for this game. A number of players are returning and this fixture sees Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir start in the front row which will be their first starts of the tournament and vital playing time following spells on the sidelines."
