Breach to win 50th Red Roses cap against Australia

Saracens winger Jess Breach will earn her 50th international cap when the Red Roses take on Australia in their final pool match in Brighton on Saturday.

Breach, who surpassed 50 tries for England with a hat-trick last time out in the win over Samoa, reaches a half-century of Red Roses appearances eight years after debuting with a six-try haul against Canada in 2017. 

“To reach 50 caps for your country is testament to the hard work and dedication put in over a number of years, not only by the individual but by those who support them daily," said head coach Mitchell.

“Jess should be incredibly proud of her milestone and we’re looking forward to her taking to the field on Saturday.” 

Like Breach, centre Megan Jones and second row Rosie Galligan also retain their places in the starting side as Mitchell makes 13 changes. The backline is the same that opened the tournament in Sunderland a fortnight ago. 

“We want to build on our opening matches of the tournament and finish the pool stage with a good performance against Australia,” Mitchell added. 

“Brighton has been a great host for us this week. It’s a new venue for the Red Roses, one that has a history of World Cup magic. We’re excited to see thousands of our supporters come down to the south coast and get behind the girls.” 

Red Roses team to play Australia :

15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 54 caps) 

14 Abby Dow (Unattached, 55 caps) 

13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 29 caps) 

12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 32 caps) 

11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 49 caps) 

10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 61 caps) 

9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 84 caps) 

1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 59 caps) 

2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 85 caps) 

3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 44 caps) 

4 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 27 caps) 

5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 77 caps) 

6 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 24 caps) 

7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 24 caps) 

8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 77 caps) - captain 

Replacements 

16 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 70 caps) 

17 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 17 caps) 

18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 75 caps) 

19 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps) 

20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 19 caps) 

21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 35 caps) 

22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 40 caps) 

23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 42 caps)