England make six changes to face USA but Kildunne stays on bench

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 17:04 · Archive

England have made six changes for their WXV Global Series match against the USA in New Jersey on Friday as they look to end their two-match losing run. Head coach John Mitchell has reacted to the 31-22 defeat by Canada in Ottawa by rotating several positions, including a first start for scrum-half Flo Robinson and a promotion of Holly Aitchison to fly-half, replacing Zoe Harrison. Wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and centre Tatyana Heard are also included in the changes, along with front-row promotions for Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir.

Ellie Kildunne, England's star full-back and World Rugby player of the year in 2024, has been named on the bench again. Mitchell previously said Kildunne needed to show 'greater consistency' after she was dropped following the Canada defeat. Emma Sing retains the full-back position.

Mitchell said: 'Our intent is to start this next phase strongly against the USA, with six months until our next Test in the Women's Six Nations. We're rotating some positions this week to refresh the group, create opportunities and continue building our depth.' England have not won in back-to-back matches for the first time in a decade after their 41-Test unbeaten run ended in Toronto.

How it is being reported

• From Barbie doll to bench - how Ellie Kildunne slipped from Red Roses' XVEllie Kildunne has been the Red Roses' figurehead throughout their rise to world champions, so why is she on the bench for Friday night's Test against the USA?BBC News · 30 Oct, 16:22
• England makes six changes for USA but Kildunne stays on benchEngland have made six changes as they look to halt their two-match losing run when they face the USA in their final WXV Global Series outing in New Jersey.Sky Sports · 28 Oct, 19:17
• Red Roses make six changes but Kildunne on bench againRed Roses' star Ellie Kildunne named on England's bench again as head coach John Mitchell makes six changes to the side to face USA.BBC News · 28 Oct, 19:00

In this story: Ellie Kildunne · John Mitchell · England · USA · Canada · New Jersey

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