England Make 13 Changes for Women's Rugby World Cup Samoa Clash

Ahead of their Rugby World Cup Pool A match at Franklin’s Gardens, Samoa's coach Ramsey Tomokino has named eight debutants, including twin locks Christabelle and Demielle Onesemo, with key players sidelined due to injury and suspension. England’s head coach John Mitchell has made 13 changes to his starting XV, retaining only winger Jess Breach and center Megan Jones from their opening match, emphasizing squad rotation to provide game time across the pool stages. Marlie Packer returns as captain at openside flanker, while several players, including Abi Burton and Lilli Ives Campion, will make their World Cup debuts. England's lineup features the return of Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Helena Rowland from injury, and a completely new front row, highlighting the team's depth and Mitchell's strategy to keep the squad fresh for upcoming challenges. Both teams prepare for a match that not only offers experience to new players but also tests Samoa against the tournament favorites on home soil. Kick-off is set for Saturday, August 30, with England favored to secure their fifth World Cup title.