Maisy Allen named to start in WXV Opener

17/10/2023

The Red Roses have named their team for the first match of the inaugural WXV1 tournament against Australia at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Friday, and Exeter Chief Maisy Allen features in the starting 15.

Ella Wyrwas earns a first start for her country from scrum-half after featuring three times as replacement in the 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations.

A new centre partnership will be on display as Tatyana Heard and Megan Jones combine in the midfield for the first time. Helena Rowland starts at full-back while wings Abby Dow and Jess Breach are also in the back three. Holly Aitchison continues at fly-half in the Red Roses backline.

In the forwards, props Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir retain their positions, with Connie Powell at hooker.

Number 8 Alex Matthews returns to the side for the first time since helping the Red Roses to the Grand Slam in April. She joins captain Marlie Packer and Maisy Allen in the back row. Locks Rosie Galligan and Zoe Aldcroft link-up to complete the pack.

Among the replacements, Daisy Hibbert-Jones is set for her first England cap.

Interim head coach Louis Deacon said:
“We have had a fantastic 10 days of bonding as a group on and off the field, and we are now relishing our first WXV match under the lights in Wellington on Friday.

“Preparation has been positive; the players are excited about the special opportunities that await them over the next few weeks. They have worked so hard as a collective over the past couple of months and they are determined to put their work on the field as we kick off our WXV campaign.

“We want to deliver a performance that shows progression and growth and want to get off to the best possible start in the competition. Facing an Australian side we don’t come up against too often only adds to the excitement.”

On debutant Hibbert-Jones, Deacon added:

“Daisy has consistently shown a desire to improve her skillset since coming into camp. She is an intelligent rugby player with a deep passion for the game and it will be a special moment to see her run out and deservedly become our latest Red Rose.”

The Red Roses' match against Australia can be watched live on ITVX.

Red Roses team to play Australia

15. Helena Rowland – vice-captain (Loughborough Lightning, 25 caps)
14. Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 37 caps)
13. Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)
12. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 15 caps)
11. Jess Breach (Saracens, 30 caps)
10. Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 22 caps)
9. Ella Wyrwas (Saracens, 3 caps)
1. Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 39 caps)
2. Connie Powell (Harlequins, 11 caps)
3. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 22 caps)
4. Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 11 caps)
5. Zoe Aldcroft – vice-captain (Gloucester-Hartpury, 45 caps)
6. Maisy Allen (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps)
7. Marlie Packer – captain (Saracens, 96 caps)
8. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 59 caps)

Replacements

16. Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)
17. Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 7 caps)
18. Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 2 caps)
19. Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury, 32 caps)
20. Daisy Hibbert-Jones (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)
21. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 64 caps)
22. Sophie Bridger (Saracens, 1 cap)
23. Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 5 caps)