England forward trio return for Grand Slam decider

3 min read
England forward trio return for Grand Slam decider

England forward trio return for Grand Slam decider

England reinforce their pack for the Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France with the return of Lilli Ives-Campion, Maddie Feaunati and Sadia Kabeya.

England forward trio return for Grand Slam decider

England reinforce their pack for the Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France with the return of Lilli Ives-Campion, Maddie Feaunati and Sadia Kabeya.

England have received a major boost ahead of Sunday's Grand Slam decider against France, with the return of three World Cup winners to their starting lineup. Lilli Ives-Campion, Maddie Feaunati, and Sadia Kabeya are all back from injury for the blockbuster clash at Bordeaux's Stade Atlantique, giving the Red Roses a significant lift in their quest for a record-extending fifth consecutive Six Nations clean sweep.

The trio missed last weekend's victory over Italy, but their return adds considerable firepower to an England side that has been forced to dig deep into its reserves. With a lengthy injury list, the Red Roses have relied on squad depth to maintain their remarkable 37-Test winning streak. Now, they are closer to full strength than at any point since their opening-round win over Ireland.

Ellie Kildunne moves back to her preferred full-back position, forming a formidable back three alongside Jess Breach and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald. Zoe Harrison, whose composure off the tee and tactical kicking have been standout features of England's campaign, retains the fly-half role ahead of Holly Aitchison.

In the forwards, Delaney Burns—playing her first England matches since 2023—partners Ives-Campion in the second row. The back row looks particularly dangerous: Sarah Burton, who shifted to number eight after Feaunati's late withdrawal in Parma, now lines up alongside the Exeter star, with Kabeya—named player of the match in last September's World Cup final—patrolling the open-side flank.

There's also a heartwarming return to the matchday squad for Liz Crake, who earns a place on the bench after last playing for England in 2023. The Saracens forward has balanced her rugby career with working as a dentist, and steps in after teammate Kelsey Clifford suffered a leg injury.

History strongly favors England, who have won their last 17 meetings with France across all competitions. However, last year's Six Nations finale was a nail-biter, with England squeaking out a 43-42 victory. France, meanwhile, have grown into this tournament as their revamped backline finds its rhythm. They'll be backed by a record-setting crowd at the 42,000-seat Stade Atlantique, promising an electric atmosphere for what could be one of the most memorable Women's Six Nations matches in history.

England team to face France: Kildunne; Breach, Jones (c), Rowland, Moloney-MacDonald; Harrison, L Packer; Carson, Cokayne, Bern

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