Debuts, competition for places and USA challenge - England ready for WXV defence
Loughborough's Bo Westcombe-Evans will make her debut for England on Sunday
©BUCS Super Rugby
As England prepare to kick off their WXV 1 campaign on Sunday, anticipation is running high.
The Red Roses begin their title defence against the United States and with a full 30-player squad available for selection, it has led to John Mitchell naming two uncapped players in his starting XV.
Exciting New Debuts
Bo Westcombe-Evans (Loughborough Lightning) and Phoebe Murray (Bristol Bears) have been selected to make their international debuts.
Murray will partner Emily Scarratt in midfield while Westcombe-Evans will start on the wing.
Attack coach Lou Meadows said: "It’s really exciting to be able to talk about them [Murray and Westcombe-Evans] and give them this opportunity.
"They've both trained exceptionally hard through pre-season. I think they deserve the shot and they’re both full of confidence, each with a brilliant skillset.
"Bo has an outside break that we can’t wait to see what she does with it against the USA. They will both strengthen the back-line and contribute to hopefully a lot of tries on the weekend.”
Number eight Alex Matthews, who will captain England for the first time on Sunday, added: "They’ve been doing very well. Phoebe Murray is strong and powerful through the middle. She steps up in defence and attack which is what we want.
"Bo is dangerous and can cause real damage. We’re all looking forward to seeing how electric she can be."
Competition Heats Up For Starting Spots
England’s squad is brimming with talent, and competition for places remains fierce, especially with emerging stars like Maddie Feaunati and Georgia Brock making their marks.
The latter - who was part of Gloucester-Hartpury's title-winning side last term - will make her first start for the Red Roses against the USA.
Matthews added: "It’s [competition for places] challenging but amazing. Mitch isn’t afraid. If he sees someone performing in the Premier 15s, he brings them in.
"It strengthens the league and pushes the team forward. You want to keep getting better but also support the girls coming in.
"Her [Brock's] first cap was seamless [after coming off the bench in England's recent 24-12 win over New Zealand].
"You wouldn’t know she hasn’t been in the camp before, and it’s a testament to how she’s performed at Gloucester.”
Zoe Harrison’s Return At Fly-Half
Another exciting development is Zoe Harrison's return to the starting 10 shirt. She will replace Holly Aitchison - who has dropped to the bench - and Meadows has praised the ability of the Saracens fly-half to control the game with both her boot and her ball-in-hand.
"She’s [Harrison] worked really hard on her ability to attack the line. The ability to play and attack at that line but also to turn them around if we need to - she’s able to deliver on all those aspects.
"Harrison’s experience will be crucial in helping guide debutants Murray and Westcombe-Evans. It’s going to be a tasty back-line and she’s going to be the one to organise it this Sunday."
The battle for the fly-half spot between Harrison and Aitchison is driving both players to new heights, according to Meadows.
"I think it’s brilliant they’ve got a really healthy competitive nature between them," Meadows added. "They drive one another forward and that’s really important. You don’t want anyone getting complacent.
"You want to make sure that they’re always working on their craft and trying to challenge one another but also themselves every day.
"It also gives us an advantage against the opposition because they aren’t sure who we’re going to go with. That way, they can’t necessarily target us either.
"We have the ability with Holly as well to bring both of them on and have them at 10 and 12. They’re both excellent distributors and have a great boot. They strengthen the depth of that shirt every day.
“Holly is extremely professional and was excellent about not starting. She’s genuinely happy with the rotation and to see where that can go. She also enjoys the competition and trying to get the shirt back."
USA Challenge Ahead
England will also play New Zealand and Canada during their WXV 1 campaign but they begin against the USA in Vancouver.
"We know a few of their front row from Exeter and Loughborough [Hope Rogers and Kathryn Treder]," said Meadows. "In terms of scrum and line-out, they will give us a bit of competition there and try to go after us.
"They’re a structured side. [McKenzie] Hawkins has a boot and likes to attack the line and use her forwards to carry.
"We know a couple of the outside backs as well, who again have speed. We just have to make sure our defensive system covers those areas."
Matthews, who has faced many of the USA players in Premiership Women's Rugby, echoed Meadows' thoughts.
"They have strong athletes. Rachel Johnson [Exeter Chiefs] has given me a dead limb every time I’ve played against her,” she joked, highlighting the physicality that awaits them.
"They will be very physical, which is what we want to just keep upping our skillset, especially as a pack."
With a fully fit squad, rising stars ready to make their mark and seasoned players like Matthews leading the charge, the Red Roses are poised for an exciting start to their WXV campaign.
.jpg "2025 Women's RWC ball")
