England will benefit from toughest pre-season - Marlie Packer
Marlie Packer will be leading England in the WXV1 tournament
©PA
England captain Marlie Packer admitted that the upcoming matches will be one of the toughest pre-seasons she has been part of in her career.
The red roses will be taking on France in Gloucester on Saturday following which they host the Black Ferns before they head to Canada for the WXV1 tournament.
Again in the WXV1 tournament they will be facing the United States, Canada and New Zealand and Packer believes the preparation will hold England in good stead ahead of the next 12 months that includes their Six Nations title defence and a home Rugby World Cup.
“It has been one of the toughest pre-seasons I have been involved in with the Red Roses,” Packer said.
“We knew some real key components of our game that we really wanted to get after, and we have done that.
“Pre-season has been tough, but one that we will all remember, and it will pay dividends in the upcoming two games, then WXV and beyond.
“It is always about the next job. France are our next opponent, and that is our focus.”
England head coach John Mitchell echoed Packer's views and reckons his side will face great challenge from France and New Zealand before they head to Canada.
“This team has got a lot of belief against France, which is a huge consideration.
“I am big on trust, big on creating belief around on what has been done before.
“We are the ones who have asked for these games. We want to put ourselves into a situation where we will get challenged and get feedback which will help us become a better team by the time we go to WXV.
“The whole group has been outstanding. They’ve raised the standards physically during pre-season.”
England XV: Ellie Kildunne; Abby Dow, Helena Rowland, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Holly Aitchison, Natasha Hunt; Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, Maud Muir, Zoe Aldcroft, Morwenna Talling, Maddie Feaunati, Marlie Packer (capt), Alex Matthews.
Reserves: Lark Atkin-Davies, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern, Lilli Ives Campion, Poppy Cleall, Lucy Packer, Zoe Harrison, Emily Scarratt.
