England is boosted by the return of winger Claudia MacDonald as they prepare to face Canada in Saturday's Rugby World Cup semi-final at Eden Park.
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England is boosted by the return of winger Claudia MacDonald as they prepare to face Canada in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final at Eden Park. MacDonald is back on the left flank opposite Abby Dow after sitting out the last two games due to injury. Hannah Botterman entered the starting lineup with loose head support and Amy Cokayne (woman) and Sarah Bern (rigid head prop) took their place in the front row. Marlie Packer started as an open winger after her player exited the quarter-final win over Australia with Alex Matthews blindfolded, Zoe Harrison and Tatyana Heard still combined 10-12, Zoe Aldcroft and Abbie Ward retain their roles as the locking couple, Leanne Infante sits at full-back and Helena Rowland remains at full-back.
MacDonald replaced Lydia Thompson on the left wing while Abby Dow was left on the right wing. Helena Rowland remains at full-back with vice-captain Emily Scarratt forming part of the midfield, who also has Tatyana Heard at No. 12. England manager Simon Middleton has entered winger Claudia’s name. MacDonald entered the squad for the semi-final day of the Rugby World Cup – the final against Canada will take place in Auckland on Saturday. England secured their place in the fourth round with a dominating 41-5 win over Australia, in which winger Packer scored a hat-trick alongside efforts from Hunter, Ward, Cokayne, and Matthews. Canada’s opponents advance with a 32-11 victory over the United States thanks to the efforts of McKinley Hunt, Karen Paquin, Paige Farries, and Alex Tessier.
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Will repeat 2014 final that saw the Red Roses win 21-9 in Paris, with New Zealand or France awaiting the final. English finalists include Lark Davies, Vickii Cornborough, Maud Muir, Rosie Galligan, Poppy Cleall, Lucy Packer, Holly Aitchison, and Ellie Kildunne. You have to be brave enough with your choice to make those calls, Middleton added. We’ve done this throughout the competition so far, and this philosophy won’t change.
