Abby Dow is set to reach a major milestone in her international career this weekend, as she earns her 50th cap for the Red Roses when they take on Ireland at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Saturday.
The dynamic Trailfinders Women winger, who has become one of England's most prolific finishers, will look to add to her impressive tally of 43 tries in 49 appearances. Dow crossed the whitewash twice in the Round 2 victory over Wales and has been a consistent threat since her two-try debut against Canada back in 2017.
Remarkably, that game also marked the debut and first tries for both Jess Breach and Ellie Kildunne, two of England's current backline stars. The trio's simultaneous rise has become a defining feature of the Red Roses' attacking prowess in recent years.
Head coach John Mitchell has opted to stick with the same backline that dismantled Wales, while making three changes in the forwards. Gloucester-Hartpury's Alex Matthews returns to the back row for her first appearance of the 2024 TikTok Women's Six Nations, resuming her familiar role at number eight – a position she has started in 15 of her last 16 appearances since the last Rugby World Cup. Her only other start at number eight prior to this run came back in the 2017 tournament against Italy.
Matthews is joined by her club teammate Maud Muir and Bristol Bears’ Hannah Botterman, both of whom come into the front row as part of a refreshed pack. Botterman's return adds significant experience with 53 caps under her belt, while Muir brings powerful scrummaging and mobility around the field.
Zoe Aldcroft will once again lead the side from blindside flanker, making her eighth start in the No. 6 jersey. Alongside her in the back row is Sadia Kabeya, who continues her impressive form – Saturday's clash will be her 21st cap, and 80% of those have been starts. Similarly, second row Morwenna Talling earns her 20th cap, with 70% of her appearances also coming as a starter, underlining her growing influence within the side.
Playmaker Zoe Harrison, fresh off a standout showing in Cardiff where she assisted four tries, retains her spot at fly-half and currently leads the tournament for try assists. Her partnership with scrum-half Natasha Hunt, who adds further experience with 77 caps, remains key to the Red Roses' offensive rhythm.
Here's the full matchday 23 to face Ireland:
Starting XV:
15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 50 caps)
14. Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 49 caps)
13. Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps)
12. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 27 caps)
11. Jess Breach (Saracens, 44 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 55 caps)
9. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 77 caps)
- Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 53 caps)
- Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 63 caps)
- Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 37 caps)
- Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 19 caps)
- Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 71 caps)
- Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 60 caps) – captain
- Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 20 caps)
- Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 72 caps)
Replacements:
16. Amy Cokayne (Leicester Tigers, 81 caps)
17. Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 10 caps)
18. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 68 caps)
19. Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 21 caps)
20. Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 12 caps)
21. Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 28 caps)
22. Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 37 caps)
23. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 36 caps)
Kick-off in Cork promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Dow's landmark appearance adding an extra layer of significance as England look to maintain their perfect start to the championship.
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