Deacon delighted to have skipper Aldcroft back in action 

England captain Zoe Aldcroft is making an impact in training and is back in contention to lead the Red Roses this weekend.

Forwards coach Louis Deacon confirmed the Gloucester-Hartpury second row is in the frame for this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Scotland after two weeks on the sidelines.

Aldcroft picked up a knee injury in England’s opening match against the USA, missing games with Samoa and Australia.

Head coach John Mitchell was furious after what he described as a “judo-style” hit, which he felt should have resulted in a citing, but Deacon is simply pleased to have the 28-year-old back in action.

“She’s in contention for selection and that’s a good thing,” said Deacon.

“Zoe is someone everyone respects as soon as she steps on the field. She’s always at 101%, always at the top level, and she drives really high standards in our training.

“She always leads by example, and I’ve felt our training standards go through the roof this week.”

England will be without full-back Ellie Kildunne for Sunday’s quarter-final, with the versatile Helena Rowland or Emma Sing expected to deputise — such is the strength in depth at Mitchell’s disposal.

Prop Hannah Botterman, who left the field against the Wallaroos with a back spasm, is also back in training and available for selection.

Mitchell gave the squad two days off following Sunday’s far-from-perfect win over Australia, where England’s forwards scored six of seven tries to muscle the hosts aside.

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“We’re just trying not to make this week bigger than it is,” added Deacon. “It’s just going to be a normal week; we don’t need to add anything extra.

“We’ve got an idea of how Scotland will play, but we planned for something against Australia last week and they threw something different at us. This will be a proper test — they’ve got a lot of tactical nous as a team, and we’re going to relish that.”

Maddie Feaunati, ever-present in England’s pool matches, admitted it has been a good few days to be a forward, as the pack outshone the showbiz backs.

“Those girls still deserve all the flowers they get, but it was nice for the forwards to show up when it counts," she said. "We’re blocking out all the outside noise and expectation, and we’re very focused on us and getting it done.”

Meanwhile, Scotland’s defence coach Tyrone Holmes has spotted chinks in England’s armour and believes his side can exploit them in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

It will be Scotland’s first World Cup quarter-final in 23 years, and they arrive in Bristol buoyed by a spirited showing in defeat to world number two Canada.

“No team is perfect — there are definitely chinks in the armour,” said Holmes. “It’s about whether we possess the skills and accuracy to execute the ways we want to play.

“I think when we are at full steam, it’s anybody’s game. That said, they are a very good team — but definitely not unbeatable.

“We need to go out with an attacking mindset, otherwise it could be a long day at the office.”

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