Six Nations Preview: Wales v Red Roses
Everything you need to know ahead of the Red Roses' visit to Cardiff Arms Park in the TikTok Women's Six Nations
Simon Middleton's side will be looking to carry momentum into their first away fixture of the 2023 Championship following comprehensive wins over Scotland and Italy in rounds one and two.
| When? | Saturday 15 April |
| Where? | Cardiff Arms Park |
| Kick off? | 14:15 |
Marlie Packer captains the side, with Zoe Aldcroft named vice captain in the second row. She packs down alongside Catherine O'Donnell. Lark Davies starts at hooker in the front row alongside Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern. Alex Matthews returns to the side at No.8 while Sadia Kabeya retains the 6 shirt.
In the backs, Emma Sing makes her first international start at full back, while Abby Dow (left) and Jess Breach (right) start on the wings to complete the back three. Tatyana Heard and Lagi Tuima continue their centre partnership, while Lucy Packer and Holly Aitchison are the halfback pairing.
Follow the Match Centre
Saracens hooker May Campbell could make her international debut from the bench, while Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir return to the match day 23 as front row cover.
Delaney Burns, Sarah Beckett, Ella Wyrwas, Sarah McKenna and Ellie Kildunne are also named as Simon Middleton's finishers.
TEAMS
England
Starting
15. Emma Sing, 14. Jess Breach, 13. Lagi Tuima, 12. Tatyana Heard, 11. Abby Dow, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Lucy Packer, 1. Mackenzie Carson, 2. Lark Davies, 3. Sarah Bern. 4. Zoe Aldcroft (VC), 5. Catherine O'Donnell, 6. Sadia Kabeya, 7. Marlie Packer (C), 8. Alex Matthews
Finishers
16. May Campbell, 17. Hannah Botterman, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Delaney Burns, 20. Sarah Beckett, 21. Ella Wyrwas, 22. Sarah McKenna, 23. Ellie Kildunne
Wales
Starting
15. Courtney Keight, 14. Lisa Neumann, 13. Hannah Jones, 12. Hannah Bluck, 11. Lowri Norkett, 10. Elinor Snowsill, 9. Keira Bevan, 1. Gwenllian Pyrs, 2. Kelsey Jones, 3. Sisilia Tuipulotu, 4. Abbie Fleming, 5. Georgia Evans, 6. Beth Lewis, 7. Alex Callender, 8. Sioned Harries.
Replacements
16. Carys Phillips, 17. Cara Hope, 18. Cerys Hale, 19. Natalia John, 20. Kate Williams, 21. Bryonie King, 22. Ffion Lewis, 23. Robyn Wilkins.
VIEWS FROM CAMP
Simon Middleton: "Playing Wales in Wales is always a really passionate affair. The confidence they will have on their home turf will be amplified by the crowd. As a team they'll feel very together, very connected and strong. I think, whereas before we've been able to overpower them, that won't be there to the extent it has been previously.
"The game will be ongoing arm wrestle, which is great. Around the breakdown will be a very physical area, they play on the edge and I think their biggest threat is when they get into the 22. They're very clinical and keep the ball well, so there are a few things we have to be aware of.
Marlie Packer: "We're all really excited for the occasion, an England v Wales clash is always a big game. Cardiff Arms Park is sold out, they're on this run of two wins, they've been playing well, but for us we've spoken about our focus and our focus being on us.
"We've had two really good games, so for us we need to go to Wales and do what we've been doing in training, and back up how we've been playing. It's going to be a great Six Nations match for all involved and I'm very excited for the occasion."
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS
2022: England 73-7 Wales
2022: England 58 - 5 Wales
2020: England 66 - 7 Wales
2019: Wales 12 - 51 England
2018: England 52 - 0 Wales
2017: Wales 0 - 63 England
