Sarah Hunter returns to captain Red Roses against Wales

Head coach Simon Middleton has named his England Women matchday squad to play Wales in the Summer Nations Series on Wednesday.

The Red Roses take on Ioan Cunningham’s side at Ashton Gate, Bristol (Wednesday 14 September, kick-off 7.30pm and live on ITV4 and ITV Hub).

Sarah Hunter returns to captain the side at No 8 while vice-captain Emily Scarratt retains her place at outside centre.

Harlequins’ Vickii Cornborough (loose-head prop) and Bristol Bears duo Lark Davies (hooker) and Sarah Bern (tight-head prop) are a changed front row from those who featured in the victory over USA last time out.

Scrum half Lucy Packer is set to make her second Red Roses start, while Zoe Harrison and Helena Rowland form the 10-12 axis.

Zoe Aldcroft and Abbie Ward make up the second row while Alex Matthews (blind-side flanker) and Marlie Packer (open-side flanker) return to the squad.

Ellie Kildunne (full back), Lydia Thompson (right wing) and Sarah McKenna (left wing) make up the back three.

Bristol-born Amber Reed is named among the finishers alongside Amy Cokayne, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir, Morwenna Talling, Poppy Cleall, Holly Aitchison and player of the match against USA Claudia MacDonald.

Middleton said: “There were some really strong periods of play against the USA and we are looking to build further on that in this second game against Wales.

“We are looking forward to our match at Ashton Gate in our final fixture before departing for New Zealand.

“We always said we’d work with a number of players across the two matches and that’s what we’ve done. This is another opportunity for players to perform and show what they can do. This game is about building form, synergy and confidence.

“It’s been a poignant and significant week for the nation. We as a Red Roses player and staff group are privileged to have the chance to pay our respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this fixture and to acknowledge her 70 years of duty. It’s fitting this fixture falls against Wales and I’m sure Ioan and his staff will, like us, want to put on a performance that would have made Her Majesty proud in front of a British crowd.”

England matchday squad to play Wales

15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 24 caps)
14. Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors, 53 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (VC; Loughborough Lightning, 102 caps)
12. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 16 caps)
11. Sarah McKenna (Saracens, 41 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 39 caps)
9. Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 4 caps)

1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 69 caps)
2. Lark Davies (Bristol Bears, 40 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 45 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 31 caps)
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 55 caps)
6. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 50 caps)
7. Marlie Packer (Saracens, 83 caps)
8. Sarah Hunter (C; Loughborough Lightning, 134 caps)

Finishers
16. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 63 caps)
17. Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 29 caps)
18. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 10 caps)
19. Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps)
20. Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 56 caps)
21. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 19 caps)
22. Amber Reed (Bristol Bears, 61 caps)
23. Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 9 caps)