MacDonald on bench for World Cup Final

By Mark Stevens
9/11/22

Exeter Chiefs back Claudia MacDonald has been named in Simon Middleton’s England Women’s match-day squad for their Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday.

The summer signing has been named on the bench as Middleton makes three changes to that which saw off Canada 26-19 in last weekend’s semi-final. All the changes come in the back division where Ellie Kildunne starts at full-back in place of Helena Rowland; Lydia Thompson gets the nod over MacDonald on the wing, while Holly Aitchison comes into the centre in place of Tatyana Heard.

The pack, which will be headed up by captain Sarah Hunter at No.8, remains unchanged for the clash against the Black Ferns, who sealed their spot in the final with a narrow win over France in the other semi-final.

Middleton said: “I could not be any prouder of the squad, how we have conducted ourselves and how we have performed. We set ourselves an objective to leave this country a better squad than when we arrived and regardless of what happens on Saturday we will do that.

“The way the squad and staff have come together both on and off the field has been fantastic to be a part of and will be a huge part of this team’s legacy after the World Cup.

“You are always striving to create something special in team sport and we have done that with this group of Red Roses. We know in our heart of hearts that this will more than likely be the last time this group all come together, but what they have created and achieved will live on for a long time.

“With success comes scrutiny and the inevitable pressure that brings with it. This squad has stood up to all of that and more and that is testimony to their ability, resilience and unwavering belief in each other. When things get tough, this team knows how to get going, that is why we are relishing Saturday and all that it will bring.

“There can be no bigger challenge in sport than to play the world champions in their own backyard in front of a sell-out crowd - 99.9% of which will be forming part of the opposition.

“Great teams don’t fear those challenges, they embrace them, and meet them head on, that’s what we intend to do.”

ENGLAND WOMEN TO FACE NEW ZEALAND WOMEN

15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 30 caps)
14. Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors, 57 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 107 caps)
12. Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 14 caps)
11. Abby Dow (Wasps, 29 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 45 caps)
9. Leanne Infante (Saracens, 57 caps)
1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 74 caps)
2. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 69 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 37 caps)
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 60 caps)
6. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 55 caps)
7. Marlie Packer (Saracens, 88 caps)
8. Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, capt, 139 caps)

16. Lark Davies (Bristol Bears, 43 caps)
17. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 16 caps)
18. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins, 29 caps)
19. Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 23 caps)
20. Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 62 caps)
21. Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps)
22. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 23 caps)
23. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 8 caps)