England Women's Team announced to face Scotland
By RFU Press Office
March 8 2011
England Head Coach Gary Street has made six changes, three positional, for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, kick off 515pm
| England Women's Team Announced to face Scotland | ||||
England’s Amy Garnett and former England captain Catherine Spencer, who share a massive 155 caps between them, return to the starting line-up at hooker and No. 8 respectively. Richmond’s Rachael Burford, meanwhile, gets her first start of the season at centre with Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt moving to full back in place of Danielle Waterman. England head into Sunday’s match on the back of three wins from three outings against Wales, Italy and France. They are still on course to defend their grand slam crown, which if they are successful will see them secure a record sixth title. Street said: “Both Catherine and Amy have got a tremendous amount of experience between them, and especially of playing at Twickenham. Bringing them back into the starting line-up is a big boost. They have started the last two games on the bench so this is their opportunity to make a big impression on the game. “I have also called Rachael Burford back into the starting line-up. Again she has a lot of experience under her belt while this also gives us the opportunity to experiment a little, moving Emily Scarratt to full back, the position where she initially starting playing at.” While England top the Six Nations table, Scotland languish at the bottom having failed to secure a win so far, though their recent 22-5 defeat to Ireland saw the Scots up their game. Street added: “Scotland had a slow start to the Six Nations but they are now building momentum, including their recent game against Ireland. They are strong up front, and have some big ball carrying forwards. They have also got a new talented kicking full back, which means we have got to make sure we don’t give away too many penalties and give her any opportunities.” The last time England played at the home of England Rugby was in 2009 and a record crowd of over 12,000 people watched the Red Roses defeat the reigning world champions New Zealand. Once again, the gates of Twickenham Stadium will open for free entry to members of the public following the conclusion of the men’s Calcutta Cup. Street is hoping that once again the fans will come out to support England. He said: “Twickenham is the home of England Rugby and the players are always very proud to play at Twickenham. After so many people watched our last game here, and the massive success of the world cup, I hope as many people as possible will stay on to watch England take on their Celtic rivals.” The match will also be shown live on the BBC Red Button (excluding freeview). England 15 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield) 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester) 13 Rachael Burford (Richmond) 12 Kimberley Oliver (Bristol) 11 Francesca Matthews (Richmond) 10 Katy Mclean (C) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) 9 La Toya Mason (Wasps) 1 Rochelle Clark (Worcester) 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens) 3 Sophie Hemming (Bristol) 4 Rebecca Essex(Richmond) 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps) 6 SarahHunter (Lichfield) 7 Heather Fisher(Worcester) 8 Catherine Spencer (Bristol) Replacements: 16 Emma Croker (Richmond) 17 ClairePurdy(Wasps) 18 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond) 19 Margaret Alphonsi (vc) (Saracens) 20 Georgina Rozario (Lichfield) 21 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) 22 Danielle Waterman (Worcester) England’s RBS 6 Nations Fixtures Wales v England Feb 6 Cross Keys RFC WON 0-19 England v Italy Feb 12 Esher RFC WON 68-5 *England v France Feb 27 Worcester RFC WON 16-3 ** England v Scotland March 13 Twickenham Stadium KO 515pm Ireland v England March 18 Ashbourne RFC KO 730pm * Live on Sky Sports **Free entry to Twickenham Stadium after men’s Calcutta Cup clash & live on BBC Red Button (not inc. Freeview) |
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Issued by Julia Hutton
England skipper Katy McLean
England Women’s skipper Katy McLean says she wants to relive the memories of England’s last victory at Twickenham this Sunday when England take on Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations, kick off 515pm.
McLean was a member of the team that defeated reigning world champions New Zealand for the first time in eight years back in 2009. And the fly-half, who kicked a conversion and a crucial second half drop goal in that match, wants more of the same this Sunday.
“The last time we played at Twickenham was without a doubt one of my best ever rugby moments,” said the Darlington Mowden Park Sharks player. “The occasion, the crowd and the support was absolutely amazing and I will never forget it. Beating the world champions was a very special occasion and it would be great if we can have another memorable experience just like that at Twickenham this Sunday.”
While England top the Six Nations table and their rivals Scotland languish at the bottom having failed to secure a win this season, McLean is by no means underestimating the potential threat from their Six Nations rivals.
She added: “England versus Scotland is always a very good game, especially because of the history between the two sides, and I expect that this game won’t be any different. Scotland have always had a strong pack and pace in their backs and I’m sure this is something they will want to use against us. They have a young squad who will be wanting to prove a point against us. I don't think you can read too much into previous Six Nations result, they have obviously got better as the tournament has gone on and I’m sure they will be really up for our game especially with it being at Twickenham.”
England too have some work to do if they are to secure a record breaking sixth consecutive title. Only two games now stand in the way of McLean and her teammates lifting European rugby’s most prestigious prize.
“Beating France two weeks ago was the most important thing, not necessarily the performance. We knew that we had to get a win and that’s what we did. If you had asked me would I take 16-3 win before the game then I would have taken it with a smile.
“Obviously we wanted to play better but that’s something we can work on. Our aim coming into this tournament was to retain the title and we are on track to do that. No one remembers how you do it.”
Thursday March 10, 2011
Issued by Julia Hutton
Burford back in the starting line-up
England and Richmond centre Rachael Burford is looking to make a big impression this Sunday as she starts her first Six Nations game of the season against Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, kick off 515pm.
Burford has featured in England’s Six Nations wins against Wales, Italy and France this season but this will be her first chance to make an immediate impression.
The 24 year-old, who has 32 caps and most recently featured in the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup, said: “It’s always great to be starting an international like this, especially when you have the chance to play at the home of England Rugby. I can’t wait to get out there and enjoy the atmosphere, make the most of the occasion but most importantly get England off to a great start against a tough Scottish team.”
England currently top the Six Nations table and are the only team to have a clean sheet while their rivals Scotland languish at the bottom of the table, without a win so far. Burford, however, says England still have a lot of work to do on Sunday.
She added: “We have played well in places but I think a few games have highlighted that we still have a lot of work to do. We are always trying to improve our game as a team and as individuals. However, we still have two massive games to improve our performances and hopefully we can start that against Scotland. They are a young team but they are a team that never give up. I’m really looking forward to playing them.”
Burford was also part of the England team that defeated world champions New Zealand in 2009. It was the first time in eight years that England had beaten New Zealand and it was witnessed by a record crowd of 12,500.
This will be Burford’s first return to the stadium, and she’s hoping as many people as possible will come to watch the game when the gates for open for free entry following the conclusion of the men’s Calcutta Cup.
She added: “To play at Twickenham is a very special occasion for any player and it’s even better when you have a big crowd behind you. I think about all the legends that have played there and what history has been written in the stadium, from international rugby to club rugby and Sevens. That pitch and stadium is filled with blood, sweat and tears, highs and lows but also plenty of glory and that is something I am hoping we can add to this weekend.”
England ran in a massive 15 tries on route to the victory at the home of England Rugby which sees the Rugby World Cup finalists continue their unbeaten record at the stadium.
Fran Matthews, Emily Scarratt, Rochelle Clark, Maggie Alphonsi, Danielle Waterman and Heather Fisher all claimed braces of tries whilst flanker Fisher’s blistering efforts earned her the accolade of Player of the Match. England now top the table with an unblemished record while France are the only team who could spoil their party on Friday if England do not complete the Grand Slam.
England Head Coach Gary Street said after the match: “I am really happy with this result. After making some good headway in the first half we stuck to the task after the restart and kept the momentum going. We managed to put on an exciting show for the thousands of fans that stayed behind whilst at the same time we did our basics well and stayed on track in the right direction.
“We must keep on improving though and Friday is going to be a massive game. This is a short turn around for both Ireland and ourselves and we need to manage that well. They’ll be wounded after losing to Wales today so I am sure they will throw everything they have at us come Friday night.”
England were in control from the first kick of the ball with Worcester wing Katherine Merchant putting England ahead after just a minute. Skipper Katy McLean settled England’s nerves with a good kick to touch in Scotland’s half. The tourists couldn’t control their line out and La Toya Mason recycled the ball out to the midfield. Centre Rachael Burford went close on the left wing, before the ball was recycled out to the right again with Matthews setting up Merchant nicely. McLean missed the conversion.
Six minutes later and it was Matthews’ turn to add the first of her two tries. England dominated possession and McLean fed Kim Oliver in the midfield before fullback Scarratt made some good yards to set up Matthews on the left wing.
Next up and it was Scarratt’s turn, playing in just her second game at fullback for England. A good England scrum saw Mason recycle the ball out to McLean and then Scarratt, who spotted a great line to carve her way through Scotland’s defence and score under the posts. McLean this time converted to make the score 17-0 after as many minutes.
Richmond lock Becky Essex claimed try number four for the home side after Catherine Spencer made a good break. Fisher then burst through the midfield. With McLean in support the fly half got the ball out to the left wing and Essex showed great speed and strength to barge her way over the line despite a high tackle from Scotland.
England’s charge continued with prop Rochelle Clark, in fine form again after her prolific efforts against France two weeks ago, finishing off where Burford couldn’t by muscling her way over the try line after another England barrage of attack.
Matthews and then Fisher rounded off proceedings for England in the first half with two strong tries in the space of just five minutes. With McLean adding two more conversions England led 41-0 at the break.
Scotland couldn’t halt England’s charge after the restart and failed to have any answers to the home side’s onslaught. Fisher reopened England’s account after just 30 seconds following a nicely floated McLean pass that enabled the powerhouse flanker to cut a great line and run in from 22 metres out for a converted try.
Lichfield’s Scarratt and Worcester’s Clark added to their tallies within the next ten minutes before replacement Alphonsi stamped her mark on the game. Merchant, ever present on the wing, made some great space and the England flanker was in support to finish off the move in style.
Captain McLean was next on the score sheet on 66 minutes to hand England a 75-0 lead before Alphonsi claimed her second try. This time replacement Waterman was at the heart of the action with a great break. She couldn’t go all the way and again Alphonsi was ready to pounce. She did just that showing tremendous power and pace to secure England’s 13th try.
With five minutes to go the England train was showing no signs of slowing and Waterman once again showed the rugby crowd her great footwork and pace to dance around Scotland’s defence and score two tries in the dying moments of the game. With McLean adding her seventh conversion England took the 89-0 victory in style.
England
15 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 13 Rachael Burford (Richmond), 12 Kimberley Oliver (Bristol), 11 Francesca Matthews (Richmond), 10 Katy Mclean (C) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 9 La Toya Mason (Wasps), 1 Rochelle Clark (Worcester), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Sophie Hemming (Bristol), 4 Rebecca Essex(Richmond), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 SarahHunter (Lichfield), 7 Heather Fisher(Worcester), 8 Catherine Spencer (Bristol). Replacements: 16 Emma Croker (Richmond), 17 ClairePurdy(Wasps), 18 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond), 19 Margaret Alphonsi (vc) (Saracens), 20 Georgina Rozario (Lichfield), 21 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 22 Danielle Waterman (Worcester)
Tries: Merchant, Matthews (2), Scarratt (2), Essex, Clark (2), Fisher (2), Alphonsi (2), McLean, Waterman (2)
Conversions: McLean (7)
Substitutions: Purdy for Hemming (HT), Alphonsi for Spencer (48), Roberts for Matthews, Burnfield for McGilchrist (both 51), Layland for Garnett (52), Waterman for Oliver, Rozario for Mason (both 59)
Scotland
15 Caroline Collie (Old Albanians), 14 Katy Green (Murrayfield Wanderers), 13 Annabel Sergeant (Dundee University), 12 Stephanie Johnston (Hillhead Jordanhill), 11 Laura Steven (Murrayfield Wanderers), 10 Lisa Martin (Murrayfield Wanderers), 9 Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars), 1 Heather Lockhart (Hillhead Jordanhill), 2 Lindsey Smith (Hillhead Jordanhill), 3 Tracy Balmer (Worcester), 4 Anna Swann (Edinburgh University), 5 Lindsay Wheeler (Darlington Mowden Sharks), 6 Charlotte Veale (Wasps), 7 Ruth Slaven (Murrayfield Wanderers), 8 Susannah Brown (Richmond). Replacements: 16 Alison MacDonald (RHC Cougars), 17 Elizabeth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers), 18 Tess Forsberg (Richmond), 19Jemma Forsyth (Hillhead Jordanhill), 20 Suzanne McKerlie-Hex, 21 Tanya Griffith (RHC Cougars), 22 Lauren Harris (Aberdeenshire Quines).
Referee: Dana Teagarden
Assistant Referees: Clare Daniels and Clare Hodnett
Half time score: England 41 Scotland0
England’s RBS 6 Nations Fixtures
Wales v England Feb 6 Cross Keys RFC WON 0-19
England v Italy Feb 12 Esher RFC WON 68-5
*England v France Feb 27 Worcester RFC WON 16-3
** England v Scotland March 13 Twickenham Stadium WON 89-0
Ireland v England March 18 Ashbourne RFC KO 730pm
The team played really well, smashed the Scots out of sight!.