Women's Rugby World Cup: England vs Australia - Alex Matthews to Captain
Alex Matthews will lead England in their final Women's Rugby World Cup pool match against Australia, stepping in for injured captain Zoe Aldcroft.
Women's Rugby World Cup Pool A: England vs Australia
Venue: Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium | Date: Saturday, 6 September | Kick-off: 17:00 BST
England's number eight Alex Matthews will captain the Red Roses in their final pool match against Australia, covering for skipper Zoe Aldcroft.
Aldcroft suffered a knee injury in England's opening win over the United States and is sidelined until at least the knockout stages.
With a quarter-final spot already secured, head coach John Mitchell has named a near full-strength side, making 13 changes from the team that beat Samoa. Wing Jess Breach wins her 50th cap, while Morwenna Talling shifts from second row to flanker. Fly-half Holly Aitchison is set to come off the bench after recovering from an ankle injury. Former captain Marlie Packer is not in the matchday squad.
England will top Pool A as long as they avoid defeat, having won all seven previous meetings with Australia, including a 42-7 victory in October 2023.
The Wallaroos, fresh from a 31-31 draw with the United States, can reach the quarter-finals with a bonus-point win. If they fail, they will rely on their 135-point advantage over the USA holding up against other results.
England line-up to face Australia
England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Galligan, Ward, Talling, Kabeya, Matthews
Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Clifford, Bern, Ives Campion, Feaunati, L Packer, Aitchison, Rowland
England field a near full-strength side as Alex Matthews steps up to lead in the absence of Zoe Aldcroft, aiming to secure top spot in Pool A.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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