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Rugby: England Women’s team announced for New Zealand clash

November 5, 2024

The England Women’s Rugby team will head into their pending three tests against World Champions New Zealand minus five of their first team regulars.

The team which was announced on Tuesday is missing Rochelle Clark and Katy Storie both from Team Northumbria along with Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter and Worcester’s Karen Jones and Danielle Waterman.

Despite this the reigning RBS 6 Nations and Nations Cup Champions will head into the first of three tests on the 14th of November with over 400 caps shared amongst the named side.

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England are to be captained by Bristol’s Catherine Spencer who is joined by Saracens’ hooker Amy Garnett. Garnett will be looking to gain her 80th cap in international duty whilst Wasps’ La Toya Mason will be hoping to win her first, if called off the bench.

They also welcome back Maggie Alphonsi and Tamara Taylor who have both look set to return from long term injuries.

England Head Coach Gary Street is thrilled with the recovery of these players and is confident his side can produce a win against the current World Champions in spite of the growing injury list.

He said, “Because we have a fantastic international programme, over the last few seasons we have been able to prepare for injury situations like this.

“It is disappointing that we have so many players injured for this very important period but we do have depth in our squad, and these games will certainly give us the chance to test ourselves against the best opposition in the world ahead of world cup next year.”

Last time the sides met in 2006 England lost 25-17 and Street is keen to prove, although they have a demanding schedule his side will not be suffering the same defeat this time around.

“I am delighted to welcome back Alphonsi and Taylor who are world class players, and natural leaders. They both played against New Zealand in the last world cup final so they will certainly add an important dimension to our squad.

“Having three games in seven days is going to be a demanding period of rugby for both us and New Zealand. I know they have some new caps in their squad, and I am sure they will be a very talented and determined side.

“We, however, can’t wait to show them how we have moved on since our last meeting three years ago.”

The following two meeting dates are November 17th at Esher RFC, kick off at 7pm and November 21st, kick off 4.45pm in the Investec Challenge Double Header.

Erin Healey,
The Women’s Sport Magazine.

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