Marlie Packer to win her 100th cap as England name side for Italy game

England skipper Marlie Packer will be making her 100th Test appearance as she leads her side in the opening game of the Women's Six Nations against Italy on Sunday.

Packer made her England debut in 2008 and now is set to become seventh player to achieve the milestone for England Women's side.

Saracens prop Kelsey Clifford will make her first start while Emily Scarratt starts at inside centre with Zoe Harrison at fly-half. Exeter flanker Maddie Feaunati could make her England debut off the bench while Sadia Kabeya and Lucy Packer return after missing WXV due to injury.

"Reaching 100 caps for your country is an awesome achievement," head coach John Mitchell said.

"Talking to Marlie about her journey, she has had to overcome adversity since her Test debut in 2008.

"What has been evident since I first met her is her determination to succeed has been ingrained in her over the past 16 years, helping her achieve she has in the game.

"She epitomises what it is to be a Red Rose."

England XV: 15. Ellie Kildunne, 14. Abby Dow, 13. Helena Rowland, 12. Emily Scarratt, 11. Jess Breach, 10. Zoe Harrison, 9. Lucy Packer, 1. Hannah Botterman, 2. Lark Atkin-Davies, 3. Kelsey Clifford, 4. Zoe Aldcroft, 5. Abbie Ward, 6. Sadia Kabeya, 7. Marlie Packer, 8. Sarah Beckett

Replacements: 16. Connie Powell, 17. Mackenzie Carson, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Maddie Feaunati, 20. Alex Matthews, 21. Natasha Hunt, 22. Holly Aitchison, 23. Megan Jones