Hunter to captain England

Hunter will be England’s third captain in this tournament with Katy McLean leading England against the USA and Claire Purdy against South Africa on Saturday.

England Head Coach Gary Street has made several changes once again as England hope to secure their place in Saturday’s Nations Cup final after two wins from two so far. Only Rowena Burnfield, Becky Essex, Marlie Packer, Alice Richardson, Claire Allan and Sarah McKenna remain from the starting line-up that defeated South Africa 46-8 at the weekend.

Street said: “We have rotated our squad again to keep players fresh both physically and mentally. We are looking forward to the last two games and are hoping to raise our performance.

“Just as importantly, once again this tournament has given us the opportunity to test ourselves with some new and exciting combinations against one of the best teams in the world.  Sarah Hunter will be our third captain of this tournament while we will also see the likes of Becky Essex playing in the backrow.”

Just like England, Canada head into the third round of games on the back of two wins from two. With a 35-17 victory over the USA and a 52-17 defeat of South Africa England will no doubt have a tough clash on their hands.

Street added: “Canada have had a great start to the tournament and will be another tough challenge. I think there will be a real test of tactical nous for both teams in this match.”

England

15 Danielle Waterman (Worcester)

14Fran Matthews (Richmond)

13 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)

12 Sarah McKenna (Old Albanians Saints)

11Claire Allan (Richmond)

10 Alice Richardson (Richmond) VC

9 La Toya Mason (Wasps)

1RochelleClark (Worcester)

2 VickyFleetwood (Lichfield)

3 Laura Keates (Worcester)

4 RowenaBurnfield (Richmond)

5 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

6 BeckyEssex (Richmond)

7 Marlie Packer (Bristol)

8 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield) (C)

Replacements:

16 Amy Garnett (Saracens)

17Claire Purdy (Wasps)

18 Jenny Brightmore (Worcester)

19 Maggie Alphonsi (Saracens)

20 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)

21KatyMcLean(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

22 Michaela Staniford (Wasps)

England Nations Cup playing schedule (Appleby College, Ontario):

August 2^nd USA v England  WON 15-11

August 5^th South Africa v England WON 46-8

August 9^th Canada v England KO 1130pm

August 13^th Finals Day KO TBC