Jess Breach set for 50th England cap in crucial Australia clash

Jess Breach will mark her 50th England appearance in Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool A clash against Australia in Brighton.

The Saracens wing has been in fine form, scoring a hat-trick in last weekend’s 92–3 win over Samoa, and is one of only three players to retain her place in the starting XV.

Head coach John Mitchell has made 12 changes to the starting side, with Alex Matthews captaining England for the second time as Zoe Aldcroft continues her recovery from a knee injury.

Centre Megan Jones and lock Rosie Galligan also keep their spots, having impressed in the previous round.

England have already booked their place in the quarter-finals after comfortable victories over the USA and Samoa.

Saturday’s match will decide the group winner, with the Wallaroos desperate to secure a win to advance. England, on a remarkable 29-match winning streak, are aiming to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stage.

Breach, who has never lost a game in her 49 England caps, described the achievement as “a dream milestone,” while Mitchell praised her dedication and consistency.

"We want to build on our opening matches of the tournament and finish the pool stage with a strong performance against Australia," said Mitchell.

"Brighton has been a great host for us this week. It's a new venue for the Red Roses - one with a history of World Cup magic. We're excited to see thousands of supporters come down to the south coast and get behind the girls."

England XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Abby Dow, 13 Megan Jones, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Jess Breach, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Natasha Hunt; 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Maud Muir, 4 Rosie Galligan, 5 Abbie Ward, 6 Morwenna Talling, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Alex Matthews (c).

Reserves: 16 Lark Atkin-Davies, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Lilli Ives Campion, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland.