The England head coach, Simon Middleton, has left Emily Scarratt, star of the 2014 Rugby World Cup, on the bench for his side’s tournament opener after naming a new-look team to face Spain on Wednesday. Twelve of the matchday squad make their World Cup debuts – nine from the start – as Middleton sets about acclimatising the less experienced members of his squad in a match England, defending champions and world No1s, are expected to win comfortably. England players know P45 awaits whatever the World Cup result | Gerard Meagher Read more“We have a strong squad and want to use the full depth available to us throughout the World Cup,” he said. It explains why players such as Aldcroft, Jones and Riley have been given their first taste of a World Cup but Middleton has also named a number of senior figures – the full-back, Danielle Waterman. Replacements: A Cokayne, R Clark, J Lucas, P Cleall, A Matthews, LT Mason, A Reed, E Scarratt.

Source: The Guardian August 08, 2017 12:52 UTC