Thomas replaces Richmond hooker Emma Croker who has withdrawn from the squad this season for personal reasons.

Thomas has previously played England Under 20s rugby and will now join the EPS squad who will contest a three test series against New Zealand this autumn as well as the RBS 6 Nations.

England Elite Squad

• ClaireAllan   (Richmond)   (Centre)
• Margaret        Alphonsi        (Saracens)    (Flanker)
• Jennifer         Brightmore    (Worcester) (Lock)  
• Rowena         Burnfield       (Richmond)   (2nd Row)
• Rochelle        Clark   (Worcester)    (Prop)
• Rebecca        Essex(Richmond)   (2nd Row)
• Hannah         Field   (Wasps) (Flanker)
• Heather          Fisher (Worcester) (Flanker)
• Victoria           Fleetwood     (Lichfield) (Hooker)
• SoniaGreen(Saracens) (No. 8)
• Sophie           Hemming       (Bristol) (Prop)
• Natasha         Hunt   (Lichfield) (Scrum Half)
• Rose   Jay      (Lichfield) (Scrumhalf/wing)
• SarahHunter            (Lichfield) (Flanker)
• Charlotte        Keane            (Worcester) (Scrumhalf)
• Laura  Keates            (Worcester) (Prop)
• Ruth   Laybourne     (Leodiensians) (wing)       
• Jane   Leonard         (Wasps)         (Flanker)
• La Toya          Mason            (Wasps)         (Scrum Half)
• Francesca     Matthews       (Richmond)   (Wing)
• Joanna          McGilchrist    (Wasps)         (2nd Row)
• SarahMcKenna       Old Albanians          (Fly Half)
• Katy    McLean          Darlington Mowden Park Sharks  (Fly Half)
• Katherine      Merchant       (Worcester)    (Wing)
• Harriet            Millar-Mills     (Lichfield)      (No 8)
• Isabelle          Noel-Smith    (Bristol) (Flanker)
• Kimberley      Oliver  (Bristol)          (Fly Half)
• MarliePacker            (Bristol)          (Flanker)
• Fiona  Pocock           (Richmond)   (Full Back)
• ClairePurdy(Wasps)         (Prop)
• Amber            Reed  (Bristol)          (Centre)
• Alice   Richardson   (Richmond)   (Centre)
• Georgina       Roberts          (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)           (Centre)
• Georgina       Rozario          (Lichfield)      (Scrum Half)
• Emily  Scarratt          (Lichfield)      (Centre)
• Michaela        Staniford        (Wasps) (Wing)
• Tamara           Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)           (2nd Row)
• Geraldine Thomas (Wasps) (Hooker)
• Amy    Turner            (Richmond)  (Hooker)
• Lydia  Thompson     (Worcester) (Wing) 
• Danielle         Waterman      (Worcester)    (Full Back)
• Charlotte        Wild    (Lichfield) (Prop)    
• Kay     Wilson            (Richmond)   (Full Back)

England, who are competing in their first tournament as part of a new development programme, will play Puma, Pink Baa Baas, Saracens and Wooden Spoons in the opening rounds. Other teams taking part include Sweden, English Premiership champions Richmond, as well as Irish and Welsh internationals in representative teams.

Barry Maddocks will coach the England 7s team with former England scrumhalf Susie Appleby as assistant coach.

Maddocks has named Richmond’s Claire Allan in the 12-woman squad. Rugby Rocks will mark Allan’s return to international action after missing last year’s Rugby World Cup with an ACL injury. Other experienced players include Michaela Staniford, who competed in the Rugby World Cup 7s in 2009, and Sonia Green, who has previously captained the England 7s team.

Maddocks said: “This is a really exciting period for the England 7s team. We had a lot of interest in the Open Trial process with over 100 players registering. We had a real mix of players attending, from experienced players to those new to the sport. It was an invaluable experience and we are very happy with the squad we have selected.

“Now we are at the start of a new development process, so this really is a blank canvas. We have three experienced 7s players in this squad, in Claire Allan, Michaela Staniford and Sonia Green, and we are hoping their experience will rub off on the less experienced players and build their confidence.

“Expectations for this tournament really is to use it to develop our players; it is not about winning. This is the start point for us, which is similar to what the England men did some years back, and we will build towards the future giving these players some invaluable experiences.”

England 7s Rugby Rocks Squad

Claire Allan (Richmond)

Natasha Brennan (Wasps)

Jenny Brightmore (Worcester)

Sonia Green(Saracens)

Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)

Charlotte Keane (Worcester/Hartpury College)

Ruth Laybourn (Leo Ladies)

Sophie Nicholas (Lichfield)

Michaela Staniford (Wasps)

Lydia Thompson (Worcester)

Sally Tuson (Bristol)

Charlotte Wild (Lichfield)

England Playing Schedule in Rugby Rocks

England vs. Puma (KO 10.10)

Pink Baa Baas vs. England (11.30)

Saracens vs. England (13.30)

Wooden Spoons vs. England (14.10)

Finals / Ranking game (16.50)

England Women became the third English side to defeat Wales this weekend when they inflicted a 19-0 victory over their fierce rivals on Sunday.

Joining the senior men and England Under 20s Gary Street’s side overcame the horrendous wind and rain soaked conditions to run in three tries at Cross Keys RFC.

England, who are targeting a sixth successive Six Nations title and another Grand Slam, dominated the game for most parts and also showed tremendous skill and patience in defence. Tries came courtesy of Richmond wing Fran Matthews, new skipper Katy McLean and Worcester’s Danielle Waterman, while McLean also added two conversions.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “For most of the game we dominated and we have got to be pleased with that. The conditions were very difficult today and that played its part. We haven’t played since September so I expected a bit of rustiness but we scored some nice tries and our defence was solid as ever. Our next test is against Italy on Saturday and not only will we be looking for a win, but we will be looking for an improved performance.”

It was Matthews who opened up England’s account in the first half with an 11^th minute touchdown. England had all the possession in the opening stages but the rain soaked pitch made the playing conditions difficult.

England, however, always opted to go for the points rather than the posts and their perseverance paid off with the Richmond winger touching down. From another England scrum England outwitted Wales by not powering forward to the line but popping the ball out to Margaret Alphonsi who then offloaded to Matthews on the wing. McLean, however, was unable to make the conversion with the gusty wind going against England.

The visitors were then made to wait for any more spoils with neither side able to capitalise. The sodden ground made the going heavy while looking after the ball proved slippery in the wet conditions.

Wales too were strong in defence but they were penalised one too many times come the end of the first half when referee Mark Patton punished the home side with an England penalty try. Catherine Spencer had been close to taking the points but following the referee’s intervention it was McLean who stroked over the penalty try, handing England a 12-0 lead at half time.

With the wind now behind them, England came out  in much more impressive style, putting try number three on the board after just eight minutes.

England had worked hard to get the ball back after being turned over in Wales’ 22. Scrum half La Toya Mason then got the ball out to fly half McLean and then Kim Oliver, who drew in Wales’ defence. A quick offload to Waterman then saw the full back free to score on the right wing. With McLean adding the conversion England found themselves in a more comfortable 19-0 lead, which is where they stayed until the final whistle.

Wales, however, did their best to change that with a late comeback which saw them within touching distance of the try line, but each time their efforts were thwarted by a wall of England shirts.

England

15            Danielle            Waterman (Worcester), 14            Katherine             Merchant (Worcester), 13        Emily            Scarratt            (Lichfield), 12            Kimberley      Oliver            (Bristol), 11 Fran Matthews            (Richmond), 10            Katy             McLean            (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C), 9  La Toya    Mason            (Wasps), 1            Rochelle         Clark (Worcester), 2          Amy            Garnett            (Saracens), 3            Sophie            Hemming (Bristol), 4            Joanna            McGilchrist            (Wasps), 5            Rebecca        Essex (Richmond), 6          Sarah            Hunter            (Lichfield), 7            Margaret            Alphonsi (Saracens), 8            Catherine             Spencer            (Bristol). Replacements: 16 Emma  Croker            (Richmond), 17            Rosemarie Crowley                      (Lichfield), 18 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond), 19            Heather         Fisher(Worcester), 20            Georgina Rozario (Lichfield), 21            Rachael            Burford            (Richmond), 22            Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Tries: Matthews, McLean, Waterman

Conversions: McLean (2)

Replacements: Burnfield for Essex (HT), Burford for Oliver, Crowley for Hemming, Fisher for Hunter (all 52), Roberts for Waterman, Croker for Garnett (all 61)

Wales

15        Aimee Young (Bath Ladies), 14 Caryl James (Cardiff Quins), 13 Adi Taviner (Neath Athletic), 12            Elen Evans (Dolgellau), 11            Charlie Murray (Neath Athletic), 10 Elinor Snowsill (Cardiff Quins), 9            Amy Day (Cross Keys), 1 Caryl Thomas (Bath Ladies), 2 Rhian Bowden (Cross Keys), 3 Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins), 4 Ashley Rowlands (Wasps), 5 Shona Powell Hughes (Neath Athletic), 6 Lisa Newton (UWIC),  8 Jamie Kift (Cross Keys), 7 Sioned Harries (UWIC). Replacements: 16 Lowri Harries (Neath Athletic), 17 Jenny Davies (Waterloo), 18 Vicky Owens (UWIC), 19 Sian Williams (Bath Ladies), 20 Laura Prosser (Cardiff Quins), 21 Awen Thomas (Cross Keys), 22 Kerin Lake (Neath Athletic)

Referee:Mark Patton

Assistant Referees:Phil Connett & Kelvin Shorte

England’s RBS 6 Nations Fixtures

Wales v England            Feb 6             Cross Keys RFC                              WON 0-19

England v Italy      Feb 12        Esher RFC                            KO 430pm

*England v France             Feb 27            Worcester RFC                    KO 105pm

** England v Scotland            March 13            Twickenham Stadium            KO 515pm

Ireland v England            March 18            Ashbourne RFC                   KO 730pm

* Live on Sky Sports

**Free entry to Twickenham Stadium after men’s Calcutta Cup clash

Karen won 85 caps for Scotland, 52 as captain, and was a member of the first women’s national team to play at Murrayfield Stadium. Her international career began in 1996, against Wales, and continued until 2006, when she moved into a full-time sports coaching programme. She was appointed to the coaching team at Richmond and has been head coach for five years; Richmond is the largest women’s club in existence, with three women’s senior sides competing each week in the top three tiers of RFUW competition. She has also coached Surrey under-20 girls and in the Celtic League, which involved Scottish, Welsh, Irish and exile players, and was involved in coaching Scotland Women in the run-up to their recent friendly in Spain.

Of her appointment to the national team, Karen said: “I’m incredibly honoured, delighted, and very excited about the future. There’s a really good basis to the squad and I’ve seen lots of good things – if we get the foundations right now, that bodes well for the future.”

Aside from her rugby commitments, Karen works full time for the Olympic Police co-ordination team, delivering national security in the run up to and during the 2012 Olympic Games.

Scottish Rugby’s Head of Community Rugby, Colin Thomson, said: "The appointment of a high profile women’s international player who has made the transition from club to representative and now to full international level coaching is a significant step in the development of the women’s game. I’m sure that the squad will benefit from Karen’s years of experience."

In the build-up to their Six Nations championship, Scotland Women take on the Army in a training game this weekend (Saturday 29 January) at Percy Park RFC, Tynemouth with a 2pm kick-off.

Meanwhile, the Scotland Women under-20 team has appointed Jules Murciano as head coach, assisted by Donna Kennedy and Claire Cruikshank. Jules has a wealth of coaching experience ranging from club to performance coaching within the women’s programme while Donna and Claire are former Scotland internationalists, Donna having retired as Scotland’s most capped rugby player with a women’s world record 115 caps.

England marched to an emphatic 82-0, 12 try victory over Kazakhstan on Tuesday in the second round of the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool games at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford.

Pocock scores a hat trick for England

The host nation, who also defeated Ireland 27-0 in the tournament opener last weekend, put on a dominant display which left Kazakhstan with few answers for most of the match.

Richmond’s Fiona Pocock, who grabbed a hat-trick of tries, was named Woman of the Match but there were many stand out players during this clash. No. 8 Sarah Beale enjoyed a storming game while Charlotte Barras grabbed a hat-trick. Both Beale and Barras were also playing in their first match for England this year having been out of action through injury and illness.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “It’s really pleasing to get a result like this, especially in these windy conditions. We have still got to look to iron out some errors so there are things to work on but Kazakhstan certainly put on a physical and committed performance tonight. Our defence was good, the forwards grafted hard and got the good clean ball out to our backs, so really they deserve a lot of credit for this result.

“I think the result tonight also underlines that we have a squad of 26 who are capable of winning this world cup, not just a team of 22 and that is vital.”

Fullback Pocock kicked off Tuesday’s win exactly how she did against Ireland just four days earlier scoring the opening try and on three minutes. England had dominated from the first whistle and their constant pressure paid off when the ball was recycled out to the left wing with centre Michaela Staniford offloading to Pocock. Captain Katy McLean converted.

Seven minutes later and England were 14-0 up when Barras, playing on the wing, showed a tremendous turn of speed to shake off the Kazakhstan defence and score in the right corner for a converted try. And the tourists didn’t learn from their mistakes either with Barras repeating her efforts ten minutes later to score her second try. With McLean stroking over her third penalty England were 21-0 up after as many minutes.

Lichfield No. 8 Beale clinched the all important bonus point for England after just 26 minutes after a solid England line out saw lock Tamara Taylor pop the ball out to Beale who burst her way through the defence and score.

Substitute Katherine Merchant and centre Rachael Burford then rounded off the first half with two further tries, which saw Burford take a high ball and charge 45 metres upfield unopposed. With McLean converting each try England led 42-0 at the break.

England played into the gutsy wind in the second half but it didn’t stop their momentum. Scrum half La Toya Mason took the first try after spotting a gap on the left wing, which McLean again converted.

A good England scrum and drive highlighted the hard work of the forwards and saw them come close to scoring. Replacement Amy Turner then had a go herself but couldn’t quite make the try line so Pocock scooped up the ball to score her second. Mason this time took over the kicking duties and just like McLean stroked the ball in between the posts with ease.

Try number three for Pocock came just moments later and it was an impressive one which showed her tremendous turn of speed, quick feet and cool composure as she danced around Kazakhstan’s defence to score.

With ten minutes remaining England still weren’t going to give up and managed to run in a further three tries, this time with Roz Crowley, Amber Penrith and Barras taking the honours.

England next play the USA in the final game of the pool stages on Saturday at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, kick off 630pm.

England

15 Fiona Pocock (Richmond), 14 Charlotte Barras (Saracens), 13 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 12 Rachael Burford (Richmond), 11 Amber Penrith (Worcester), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 9 La Toya Mason(Wasps), 1 Claire Purdy       (Wasps), 2 Emma Croker   (Richmond), 3 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield), 4 Becky Essex(Richmond), 5 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Heather Fisher (Worcester), 8 Sarah Beale (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 17 Sophie Hemming (Bristol), 18 Jo McGilchrist (Wasps), 19 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 20 Amy Turner (Richmond), 21 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 22 Danielle Waterman (Worcester).

Tries: Pocock (3), Barras (3), Beale, Merchant, Burford, Mason, Crowley, Penrith

Conversions: McLean (7), Mason (4)

Substitutions: Merchant for Staniford (25), Burford off for Turner, Waterman for McLean (both 45), Amy Garnett for Emma Croker, Alphonsi for Fisher (all 73)

Kazakhstan

15 Irina Adler, 14 Lyudmila Sherer,  13 Olga Kumanikina, 12 Anna Yakovleva (C),  11 Irina Amossova, 10 Tatyana Tur, 9 Anastassiya Khamova, 1 Natalya Kamendrovskaya, 2 Tatyana Ashikhmina, 3 Tatyana Pshenichnaya, 4 Svetlana Karatygina, 5 Olga Rudoy, 6 Alfiya Mustafina, 7 Marianna Balashova, 8 Irina Radzivil. Replacements: 16 Olga Nikulich, 17 Farida Kalen, 18 Amina Baratova, 19 Valentina Nezbudey, 20 Makhabbat Tugambekova, 21 Symbat Zhamankulova, 22 Aigerym Daurembayeva

Referee: Javier Mancusco

Assistant Referees: Sherry Trumbull and Andrew McMenemy

England Women recorded their first victory over world champions New Zealand in eight years  in the Investec Challenge Double Header at Twickenham on Saturday with an impressive 10-3 win.

England, who last defeated the triple world champions in 2001, bounced back from a 16-3 defeat seven day ago to record the historic win just nine months before the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 in London.

The Red Roses, playing in front of a record crowd of 12,500, were in impressive form, scoring the only try of the match courtesy of skipper Catherine Spencer. The Bristol No.8, on her 50th cap, also went on to win the Investec Women of the Match award. Vice-captain Katy McLean also stoked over the conversion and a second half drop goal.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “It’s brilliant to win here at Twickenham in front of our biggest ever crowd. Hopefully we have showed the people watching here today and watching on sky what a fantastic sport this is, and how skilful the women’s game is at this level too.

“We won this game because of our physicality, our defence was tremendous and we really believed in ourselves. Catherine Spencer today put on one of the great Twickenham performances. To come out and play as well as she did being captain and earning her 50th cap is amazing. She is a tremendous athlete and brilliant leader of this team.

“From here now the important thing is that we keep moving forward and improving. We know that winning the world cup is not a pipe dream anymore, we can do it and that is our goal for the next nine months.”

Just like seven days ago both New Zealand and England went into the match firing on all cylinders. The opening stages were tense with the tourists close to a score early on when Emily Scarratt’s clearance kick was charged down. Centre Rachael Burford was in support though and England were let off the hook.

New Zealand continued to dominate territory and went close to scoring after a good line-out deep in England’s 22 but they couldn’t get over the line and instead opted for the drop goal which fly-half Rebecca Mahoney stroked over after 12 minutes.

England continued to be clinical and after a good line-out which saw the ball passed through McLean and Burford, Wasps prop Claire Purdy made a tremendous break up-field. Winger Kat Merchant took it on with another great run on the left but was tackled to the ground. England retained possession and recycled the ball out into the midfield with flanker Heather Fisher then taking her chance. A clever ankle tap brought her down, but again England kept the momentum going through Amy Turner, McLean and then Spencer. Spencer then found the space to score. With McLean adding the conversion England went into a 7-3 lead with 25 minutes gone.

The pressure remained and New Zealand went close to scoring before the break but England held firm in defence and kept their lead going into half-time.

England immediately put the Black Ferns under pressure after the restart with a good kick-off that saw the tourists fail to collect the ball. England pounced on the loose ball and Turner got it out to McLean who, in fine kicking form, stroked the ball over for an easy drop goal.

At 10-3 that was where the score stayed for the remainder of the match but the level of intensity never dropped. With the pitch and the ball getting more and more slippery in the wet conditions England couldn’t take advantage of a great break by speedster Merchant who made it 25 metres up-field before being brought down.

New Zealand too had their chance to close the gap with two penalties but Mahoney couldn’t convert, and as their spirits dampened England dominated more and more territory and although they couldn’t convert the pressure into points they had done enough to earn the victory.

England Team

15 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 13 Claire Allan (Richmond), 12 Rachael Burford (Richmond), 11 Charlotte Barras (Saracens), 10 Katy Mclean (VC) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 1 Claire Purdy (Wasps), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Sophie Hemming (Bristol), 4 Rebecca Essex (Richmond), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps),

6 Heather Fisher (Worcester), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Bristol). Replacements: 16 Sam Reeve (Worcester), 17 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield), 18 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 19 Jane Leonard (Team Northumbria / Army), 20 Georgina Rozario (Bristol),

21 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 22 Fiona Pocock (Richmond)

Tries: Spencer

Conversions: Mclean

Penalties:

Drop goal: McLean

Substitutions: Richardson for Burford, Taylor for Essex (HT), Pocock for Barras (53), Crowley for Purdy (61), Leonard for Fisher (65), Reeve for Garnett (67), Rozario for Turner (74).

New Zealand Team

15 Kelly Brazier (Otago)

14 Victoria Grant (Auckland), 13 Huriana Manuel (Auckland), 12 Amiria Rule (Canterbury) VC, 11 Carla Hohepa (Otago), 10 Rebecca Mahony (Wellington), 9 Emma Jensen (Auckland), 1 Ruth McKay (Manawatu), 2 Fiao’o Faamausili (Auckland), 3 Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox (Canterbury), 4 Vita Robinson (Auckland), 5 Victoria Heighway (C) (Auckland), 6 Casey Robertson (Canterbury), 7 Justine Lavea (Auckland), 8 Linda Itunu (Auckland). Replacements: 16 Claire Rowat (Wellington), 17 Kimberly Smith (Canterbury), 18 Beth Mallard (Otago),

19 Olivia Coady (Canterbury), 20 Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury), 21 Renee Wickcliffe (Auckland), 22 Anika Tiplady (Canterbury)

Tries:

Conversions:

Penalties:

Drop Goal: Mahoney

Half-time score: England 7 New Zealand 3

London Wasps lock Simon Shaw, flanker Joe Worsley and Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle come into the starting line-up and there is a positional switch at full back where Mark Cueto trades places with Ugo Monye.

Shaw takes over from Louis Deacon and wins his 53rd cap at the age of 36, former Wasps and Leicester centre Erinle makes his first start in place of Shane Geraghty (Northampton Saints) and experienced Wasps flanker Worsley replaces Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers) in the back row.

Deacon, Croft and Geraghty are all named on the bench with Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks) coming into the 22 for the first time this autumn.

England team

• 15 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)
• 14 Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby)
• 13 Dan Hipkiss (Leicester Tigers)
• 12 Ayoola Erinle (Biarritz)
• 11 Ugo Monye (Harlequins)
• 10 Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon)
• 9 Paul Hodgson (London Irish)
• 1 Tim Payne (London Wasps)
• 2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
• 3 Duncan Bell (Bath Rugby)
• 4 Simon Shaw (London Wasps)
• 5 Steve Borthwick (Saracens, captain)
• 6 Joe Worsley (London Wasps)
• 7 Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers)
• 8 James Haskell (Stade Francais)

Replacements

• 16 Steve Thompson (Brive)
• 17 David Wilson (Bath Rugby)
• 18 Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers)
• 19 Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers)
• 20 Danny Care (Harlequins)
• 21 Shane Geraghty (Northampton Saints)
• 22 Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks)

England Women name team to face NZ

England Women have named their starting line-up for Saturday’s Investec Challenge Double Header against world champions New Zealand, kick-off 445pm at Twickenham Stadium.

England Head Coach Gary Street has brought in Richmond centre Rachael Burford to the starting line-up with Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt moving to full back. Saracens’ Charlotte Barras also moves to the wing.

RBS 6 Nations champions England head into the match looking to avenge their 16-3 defeat to the Black Ferns last Saturday, and secure an all important win against the world champions just nine months before the Rugby World Cup kicks-off in London.

Street said: “We have made some changes to freshen up our midfield, and bring something new to the table for this final clash against New Zealand. We learned some important lessons last week, and we know we need to be more disciplined and more effective in everything we do this Saturday. If we do that then we know we have the potential to win this game.

“Playing at Twickenham stadium is a massive opportunity for us to show how good this side is, and how skilful women’s rugby is. Certainly being at home for this crucial match is going to give us that extra five percent on the pitch. We are relishing this opportunity.”

England are without six first choice players for the autumn series with Team Northumbria’s Rochelle Clark (hand) and Katy Storie (back), Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter (arm) and Sarah Beale (back), Worcester’s Karen Jones (knee) and Danielle Waterman (acl) all sidelined with injuries.

Entry to the stadium is free at 4:15pm.

England Team

• 15 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
• 14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
• 13 Claire Allan Richmond
• 12 Rachael Burford Richmond
• 11 Charlotte Barras Saracens
• 10 Katy Mclean (VC) Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
• 9 Amy Turner Richmond
• 1 Claire Purdy Wasps
• 2 Amy Garnett Saracens
• 3 Sophie Hemming Bristol
• 4 Rebecca Essex Richmond
• 5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
• 6 Heather Fisher Worcester
• 7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
• 8 Catherine Spencer (C) Bristol

Replacements:

• 16 Sam Reeve Worcester
• 17 Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
• 18 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
• 19 Jane Leonard Team Northumbria / Army
• 20 Georgina Rozario Bristol
• 21 Alice Richardson Richmond
• 22 Fiona Pocock Richmond

England Women will have to wait until Saturday November 21st to have a second chance of conquering the reigning world champions New Zealand after today (Saturday) succumbing to a 16-3 defeat at Esher RFC.

In their first meeting against the Black Ferns since the 2006 Rugby World Cup final England produced a determined and gutsy performance but were let down by ill discipline in the first half which then left them playing catch-up in the second half.

England, however, will not get a better stage than Twickenham Stadium to reek their revenge when they compete in the Investec Challenge Double Header in a week’s time. The rematch kicks off immediately after the men’s match at 445pm, with entry to the stadium free at 415pm.

England Head Coach Gary Street is certainly adamant that England can be second time lucky in seven days time. He said: “This game was a real fact finder for us ahead of the World Cup in 2010, and more immediately next Saturday. We are not a side that lose often, and despite that I am upbeat. We have found out today that they are not super human and we are certainly ready to fight again next Saturday.

“I would have liked better playing conditions today. The wind was problematic and it would have been good if we could have got our solar power backs going, but that’s no excuse. For 30 minutes of the game we were only 3-0 down, and if we had matched that I think it would have been a different story. Instead we made errors and they added a second penalty and a try just before half time. Then we were left chasing our tails.”

England and New Zealand were evenly matched for most of the first half, and both sides made a ferocious start. England captain Catherine Spencer led by example and made a good break from the back of a scrum. Worcester flanker Heather Fisher took it on and made a superb break to get the home side in New Zealand’s 22 but the tourists held firm and closed the opportunity out. Instead, New Zealand soon had their first chance at goal but the wind this time played to England’s advantage and their fly half Rebecca Mahony couldn’t convert. She did however just moments later on 14 minutes.

England again showed how powerful they can be in attack with another good pick up from Spencer. Fisher again showed her pace, and with the ball then moving through the midfield Richmond centre Claire Allan was pulled down just short of the line.

New Zealand continued to match England’s efforts though, and clawed their way to a 6-0 advantage with a second penalty goal after half an hour. They were not deterred either when they lost flanker Justine Lavea to the sin-bin, and their No. 8 Casey Robertson minutes later. England, however, didn’t take advantage of the two man advantage and in fact it was New Zealand that crossed for the one and only try of the afternoon. A well worked line-out in England’s 22, with a ruck following, saw the ball popped out to centre Amiria Rule who found a space and dived over the line. Mahony added the conversion to take a 13-0 lead into the break.

England came back out strongly and continued to threaten with some powerful runs by Saracens full back Charlotte Barras, and some great tackles by scrum half Amy Turner and flanker Maggie Alphonsi. Allan was also tight in defence but England had too much work to do, and dropped to a 16-0 deficit after another penalty goal on 46 minutes.

Vice captain Katy McLean had her first chance at goal on 57 minutes, but the wind proved the deciding factor for that kick. She was able to add three points minutes later, but a third kick also went astray on 66 minutes. Instead England held firm and kept pushing in attack, but their efforts went unrewarded.

England Team

15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 13 Claire Allan (Richmond) , 12 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 11 Fiona Pocock (Richmond), 10 Katy Mclean (VC) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 1 Claire Purdy (Wasps), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Sophie Hemming (Bristol), 4 Rebecca Essex (Richmond), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps)

6 Heather Fisher (Worcester), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Bristol). Replacements: 16 Sam Reeve (Worcester), 17 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield), 18 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 19 Jane Leonard (Team Northumbria / Army), 20 La Toya Mason (Wasps), 21 Rachael Burford (Richmond), 22 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)

Tries:

Conversions:

Penalties: McLean

Substitutions: Burford for Richardson (49), Taylor for Essex (60), Leonard for Fisher (62), Reeve for Garnett (68), Mason for Turner (71), Crowley for Purdy (76).

New Zealand

15 Kelly Brazier (Otago), 14 Victoria Grant (Auckland), 13 Huriana Manuel (Auckland), 12 Amiria Rule (Canterbury), 11 Carla Hohepa (Otago), 10 Rebecca Mahony (Wellington), 9 Emma Jensen (Auckland), 1 Ruth McKay (Manawatu), 2 Fiao’o Faamausili (Auckland), 3 Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox (Canterbury), 4 Kimberly Smith (Canterbury), 5 Victoria Heighway (C) (Auckland), 6 Linda Itunu (Auckland), 7 Justine Lavea (Auckland), 8 Casey Robertson (Canterbury). Replacements: 16 Claire Rowat (Wellington), 17 Beth Mallard (Otago), 18 Vita Robinson (Auckland), 19 Olivia Coady (Canterbury), 20 Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury), 22 Anika Tiplady (Canterbury), 21 Renee Wickcliffe (Auckland)

Tries: Rule

Conversions: Mahony

Penalties: Mahony (3).

Substitutions:

Half time score: England 0 New Zealand 13

England Playing Schedule:

• November 14th England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 4pm
• November 17th England A v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7pm
• November 21st England v New Zealand, Twickenham, KO 445pm

Richmond's Fran Matthews starts for England A

The England Women’s A team to take on the world champions New Zealand on November 17th, kick off 7pm at Esher RFC, has today (Tuesday) been announced.

England A take on the Black Ferns as part of a three test series for the New Zealanders. New Zealand will also play England on November 14th at Esher RFC, kick off 4pm, and at Twickenham Stadium on November 21st as part of the Investec Challenge Double Header. Entry to the game at Twickenham is free after 415pm. Kick off is at 445pm.

England A Head Coach Mike Barnett has selected a strong squad which includes Bristol’s Kim Oliver, Wasps’ Michaela Staniford and Richmond’s Fran Matthews who share 70 caps between them. Saracens’ Sonia Green will captain the side. In total there are 11 players in the 22 who have all been capped.

England A Head Coach Mike Barnett said: “I am really pleased with the quality of players we have been able to select for this match. This is a massive game for England A so it’s great to be able to call on such experienced players. Sonia is captain, but our capped players will also be able to offer her leadership support. At the same time we have some very talented younger players such as Laura Keates, Marlie Packer and Charlotte Male. They are stepping up from the under 20s so this is a big opportunity for them, as it is for all the players with the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in London just around the corner.

“New Zealand will no doubt come over here as a very experienced side. Their players will be very comfortable on the ball, and will have a great game understanding. They have a rugby culture which is second to none, so it’s up to us to match them and cause them as many problems as we can, and at the same time keep our defence very tight.”

England A

• 15 Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Sharks
• 14 Francesca Matthews Richmond
• 13 Michaela Staniford Wasps
• 12 Kimberley Oliver Bristol
• 11 Amber Penrith Worcester
• 10 Danielle Knight Lichfield
• 9 La Toya Mason Wasps
• 1 Laura Keates Worcester
• 2 Olivia Poore Lichfield
• 3 Monica Lewinska Bristol
• 4 Natalie Binstead Wasps
• 5 Rowena Burnfield Richmond
• 6 Marlie Packer Bristol
• 7 Gemma Sharples Worcester
• 8 Sonia Green Saracens Captain

Replacements:

• 16 Emma Layland Richmond
• 17 Charlotte Male Bristol
• 18 Sara Anastasi Richmond
• 19 Isabelle Noel-Smith Bristol
• 20 Georgina Rozario Bristol
• 21 Abi Chamberlain Richmond
• 22 Natasha Hunt Bristol

Saracens' Maggie Alphonsi returns to action for England

The England Women’s team to face world champions New Zealand for the first of three tests in November has today (Tuesday) been announced.

The reigning RBS 6 Nations and Nations Cup champions take on the Black Ferns for the first time since the 2006 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup final on November 14th at Esher RFC, kick off 4pm.

England narrowly lost their last encounter 25-17 but will be hoping to turn the tables ahead of the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in London which is just nine months away.

England A will also take on the Black Ferns on November 17th at Esher RFC, kick off 7pm, and then England will back in action against New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 21st, kick off 445pm, in the Investec Challenge Double Header, with entry to the stadium free after 415pm.

England are without five first choice players for the autumn series, with Team Northumbria’s Rochelle Clark (hand) and Katy Storie (back), Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter (arm), Worcester’s Karen Jones (knee) and Danielle Waterman (acl) all sidelined.

There are, however, still over 400 caps shared between the starting line-up, with Bristol’s Catherine Spencer captaining the side. Saracens’ hooker Amy Garnett looks set to win her 80th cap, while Wasps’ La Toya Mason could make her international debut if called off the bench. England also welcome back Saracens’ Maggie Alphonsi and Darlington Mowden Park Sharks’ Tamara Taylor who have been sidelined with long term injuries.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “Because we have a fantastic international programme, over the last few seasons we have been able to prepare for injury situations like this. It is disappointing that we have so many players injured for this very important period but we do have depth in our squad, and these games will certainly give us the chance to test ourselves against the best opposition in the world ahead of world cup next year.

“Despite losing these players I am delighted to welcome back Maggie Alphonsi and Tamara Taylor who are world class players, and natural leaders. They both played against New Zealand in the last world cup final so they will certainly add an important dimension to our squad.

“Having three games in seven days is going to be a demanding period of rugby for both us and New Zealand. I know they have some new caps in their squad, and I am sure they will be a very talented and determined side. We, however, can’t wait to show them how we have moved on since our last meeting three years ago.”

England Team

• 15 Charlotte Barras Saracens
• 14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
• 13 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
• 12 Alice Richardson Richmond
• 11 Fiona Pocock Richmond
• 10 Katy Mclean (VC) Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
• 9 Amy Turner Richmond
• 1 Claire Purdy Wasps
• 2 Amy Garnett Saracens
• 3 Sophie Hemming Bristol
• 4 Rebecca Essex Richmond
• 5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
• 6 Heather Fisher Worcester
• 7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
• 8 Catherine Spencer (C) Bristol

Replacements:

• 16 Sam Reeve Worcester
• 17 Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
• 18 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
• 19 Jane Leonard Team Northumbria / Army
• 20 La Toya Mason Wasps
• 21 Rachael Burford Richmond
• 22 Claire Allan Richmond

England Playing Schedule:

November 14th England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 4pm

November 17th England A v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7pm

November 21st England v New Zealand, Twickenham, KO 445pm