Six Nations: England name team for France Grand Slam decider as Sadia Kabeya replaces in-form Marlie Packer | Rugby Union News

Sadia Kabeya replaces Marlie Packer in the England back row for their Women’s Six Nations title decider against France in Bordeaux on Sunday.

Packer, 36, has been enjoying a renaissance in the absence of Kabeya, scoring four tries against Italy last week to cap a campaign that warrants player of the tournament contention, but World Cup winner Kabeya has been favoured by Mitchell for the all-important Grand Slam decider.

Elsewhere, Lillie Ives Campion and Maddie Feaunati return to strengthen England’s injury-stricken pack, who have had to play much of the tournament without eight of the 13 forwards featured in their World Cup final-winning squad.

Head coach John Mitchell has made seven changes to the team that started the round four match at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

Jess Breach and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald return to the wings, resulting in Ellie Kildunne switching back to full-back, while Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern start at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively.

Captain Megan Jones has played every available minute so far in the tournament and has partnered Helena Rowland in the centre each match. Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison combine in the half-back positions for a third away match in a row.

Versatile forward Abi Burton is named at blindside flanker behind ever-present hooker Amy Cokayne and lock Delaney Burns, while Kelsey Clifford misses out due to a leg injury.

Mitchell: We understand the significance of the occasion

“France are a quality side and we’ve got a huge amount of respect for what they bring and the way they play the game,” Mitchell said.

“To face them in Bordeaux – in the heart of the south-west, a region so passionate about rugby with a vocal home crowd behind them – is exactly the sort of challenge the girls relish, embrace and walk towards.

“With that support comes expectation and pressure, and Francois [Ratier] has already laid down the challenge to his players.

“This tournament has demanded adaptability and the ability to learn quickly from us throughout. The girls have stayed connected, composed and continued to grow within our new attacking identity.

“I’m proud of the way the players have competed for positions, pushed one another every day and earned the right to contest for the championship.”

England team to play France

Starting XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Megan Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Lilli Ives Campion, 5 Delaney Burns, 6 Abi Burton, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Maddie Feaunati.

Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Liz Crake, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Demelza Short, 20 Marlie Packer, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Emma Sing.

Women’s Six Nations final-day fixtures

Sunday May 17

• Wales vs Italy – Cardiff Arms Park (12.15pm kick-off)
• Ireland vs Scotland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (2.30pm kick-off)
• France vs England – Stade Atlantique, Bordeaux (4.45pm kick-off)

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺