CLEALL AND MCKENNA START FOR RED ROSES

Saracens Women Poppy Cleall and Sarah McKenna have been named in England’s starting XV for the second Six Nations clash on Sunday against France at Doncaster’s Castle Park.

Cleall moves to flanker and McKenna is retained at full-back following impressive performances in the 51-7 victory over Ireland in Dublin last weekend, while prop Hannah Botterman and fly-half Zoe Harrison have been named among the replacements.

Marlie Packer is rested after picking up a shoulder injury last Friday, and Vicky Fleetwood continues her recovery from a knee injury suffered in the win over Harlequins last month.

Head coach Simon Middleton is not underestimating the challenge posed by France, the 2018 Six Nations champions.

“We have no misconception of the size of the challenge ahead of us against France on Sunday,” he said. “We were pleased with our performance against Ireland but we now have to improve to get a winning outcome.

“Given their recent form and the fact France come into the tournament as champions, they rightly go into the game favourites.

“We have confidence in this squad and have had an excellent preparation through the week. We are really looking forward to returning to Doncaster where we had fantastic support from the crowd in November.”

He added of Packer’s injury: “We will rest Marlie this weekend with the aim of having her back later in the Championship.”

England match-day 23 against France. Castle Park, Doncaster, Sunday 10 February, 12.45pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports

15. Sarah McKenna (Saracens Women, 18 caps)
14. Jess Breach (Harlequins Ladies, 3 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 75 caps)
12. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 3 caps)
11. Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury, 6 caps)
10. Katy Daley-Mclean (Loughborough Lightning, 103 caps)
9. Leanne Riley (Harlequins Ladies, 25 caps)

1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Ladies, 42 caps)
2. Lark Davies (Worcester Valkyries, 14 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears Women, 21 caps)
4. Catherine O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 8 caps)
5. Abbie Scott (Harlequins Ladies, 32 caps)
6. Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women, 25 caps)
7. Poppy Leitch (Bristol Bears Women, 6 caps)
8. Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, 109 caps) ©

16. Amy Cokayne (Wasps FC Ladies, 42 caps)
17. Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women, 6 caps)
18. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Ladies, 6 caps)
19. Rowena Burnfield (Richmond Ladies, 48 caps)
20. Sarah Beckett (Firwood Waterloo, 2 caps)
21. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 42 caps)
22. Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women, 9 caps)
23. Emily Scott (Harlequins Ladies, 24 caps)