Emily Scarratt to lead England in Grand Slam decider against France
Emily Scarratt recently won her 100th cap for England
©PA
England coach Simon Middleton has named Emily Scarratt the captain for the TikTok Women's Grand Slam decider against France to be played at Stade Jean Dauger in Bayonne on Saturday.
The decision follows after Sarah Hunter has been ruled out of the encounter due to a rib injury that she sustained during the game against Ireland.
Poppy Cleall comes in the back row replacing Hunter in the back row that also has Marlie Packer and Alex Matthews, who is in line to win her 50th cap.
The bench also sees a couple of changes with Sarah Beckett taking the place of Cleall while Sadia Kabeya comes at the expense of Amber Reed.
"We are all disappointed for Sarah Hunter on missing the game due to injury," Middleton said.
"If it was up to Sarah she would have played but she was not medically available for selection.
"I'm pleased she's able to join us over in France to support preparations.
"At the same time, it gives us another opportunity to test our leadership depth in the most pressurised of situations and to that end we are in good hands with Emily Scarratt leading the side, and Abbie Ward is named as vice-captain for this game."
England Women XV: 15 Helena Rowland, 14 Lydia Thompson, 13 Emily Scarratt (c), 12 Holly Aitchison, 11 Jess Breach, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Leanne Infante; 1 Vickii Cornborough, 2 Lark Davies, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Zoe Aldcroft, 5 Abbie Ward, 6 Alex Matthews, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Poppy Cleall.
Reserves: 16 Amy Cokayne, 17 Hannah Botterman, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Sarah Beckett, 21 Sadia Kabeya 22 Natasha Hunt, 23 Ellie Kildunne.
