John Mitchell makes 13 changes for England's clash with Samoa

Red Roses boss John Mitchell has made 13 changes to his starting XV that beat the USA ahead of their second Pool stage game against Samoa.

Marlie Packer will captain the side after she missed out on selection for England’s first 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup match against the USA in Sunderland. 

The Red Roses make the trip to Franklin’s Gardens as heavy favourites, following Samoa's 73-0 opening match loss against Australia last weekend.

After scoring a brace in Round 1, Lark Atkin-Davies starts at hooker, joining Sarah Bern and Kelsey Clifford in the front row. 

Loughborough Lightning’s Lilli Ives Campion, the youngest Red Rose in the squad, starts at lock, returning to her home ground, alongside Rosie Galligan in the second row. 

The experienced Helena Rowland replaces Zoe Harrison at fly-half, with Lucy Packer starting at scrum-half. 

Meg Jones keeps her place in the midfield, as Jade Shekells joins her at inside centre, and there are two changes in the back three as Claudia Moloney-Macdonald and Emma Sing start alongside Jess Breach. 

Mitchell said: “It has been in our planning to give everyone game time over the first two pool matches and, bar Holly [Aitchison], we’ve been able to execute that with this selection. 

 “Our new combination want to make each other proud and build on our performance against USA in our opening match. 

 “It will be a great atmosphere for them at one of the most traditional rugby grounds in the country. They’re all excited to get out there.” 

Red Roses team to play Samoa 

15 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 11 caps) 

14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 48 caps) 

13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 28 caps) 

12 Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury, 3 caps) 

11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 35 caps) 

10 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 41 caps) 

9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 34 caps) 

1 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 16 caps) 

2 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 69 caps) 

3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 74 caps) 

4 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 3 caps) 

5 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 26 caps) 

6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 3 caps) 

7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 111 caps) - captain 

8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 18 caps) 

Replacements 

16 May Campbell (Saracens, 4 caps) 

17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 21 caps) 

18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 43 caps) 

19 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 24 caps) 

20 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 24 caps) 

21 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 83 caps) 

22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 60 caps) 

23 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 54 caps)