Street names his “strongest possible” squad for final test against New Zealand

from Scrumqueens:

December 3 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2.00pm UK , 8.00am CST, live at www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

England women’s rugby Head Coach Gary Street says he has named his strongest possible side to play New Zealand in this weekend’s final test game.

England have already won the three test series after two fine wins and Street makes nine changes from the mid-week winning team. Katy McLean is set to win her 50th cap as captain.

The changes see Bristol’s Sophie Hemming returns to the starting line-up at tight-head prop while Sarah Hunter and vice-captain Marggie Alphonsi who is set to make her 60th appearance for England, return to the backrow.

18-year-old Alex Matthews (pictured),, who shone on Tuesday night in England’s second win at Esher, moves to blind-side flanker.

In the backs, Toya Mason, Kat Merchant and Emily Scarratt all return while Alice Richardson will play her first game of the series having recovered from injiry. Darlington Mowden Park Sharks fly-half Katy McLean will captain England on her 50th cap.

“This is the strongest available 22 I have and I am determined that we will finish this series as strong as possible,” said Street. “The players have been fantastic so far but they need to continue to improve which is something that has been our statement of intent since losing the Rugby World Cup final 14 months ago.

“I would also like to congratulate Katy and Maggie for reaching these significant milestones in their rugby careers. Reaching 50 and 60 caps for your country is an amazing achievement and hopefully for us it is a good omen too. The last time our captain, then Catherine Spencer, reached 50 caps, she led England to victory over New Zealand and while Maggie ties in her 60th cap I’m sure we’ll see another great performance from our team leaders.”

England have made history in defeating the world champions in back-to-back games after Saturday’s 10-0 victory and Tuesday’s dominant 21-7 win. Saturday also represented the first time the Black Ferns have ever been nilled.

“New Zealand are a hugely competitive rugby country and I have no doubt that they will be chomping at the bit to take a win in the last game of this series,” added Street. “This will be a massively physical match in every department.”

England: Emily Scarratt, Katherine Merchant, Rachael Burford, Alice Richardson, Kay Wilson, Katy McLean (C), La Toya Mason, Claire Purdy, Amy Turner, Sophie Hemming, Rebecca Essex, Tamara Taylor, Alexandra Matthews, Marggie Alphonsi, Sarah Hunter

Replacements: Victoria Fleetwood, Laura Keates, Rowena Burnfield, Marlie Packer, Natasha Hunt, Kimberley Oliver, Georgina Roberts