England Women have reshuffled their spine and forward pack for a decisive Group A finale against Samoa, with Georgia Roche returning at half-back in place of Jenna Foubister and Hope Millard earning a spot on the interchange bench.
The match in Perth is a straight shootout for second place and a semi-final berth. After an opening 70-6 victory over Wales, England were dismantled 78-0 by reigning champions Australia last week, a result that exposed vulnerabilities the coaching staff has moved swiftly to address.
Foubister, the 19-year-old Super League Woman of Steel, started against the Jillaroos but struggled to contain their physicality. Head coach Stu Barrow has opted for Roche’s international experience to steady the ship in the number seven jersey.
Further disruption came with the loss of key forward Eva Hunter to a leg injury sustained against Australia. Her absence triggers a significant pack restructure: Hollie-Mae Dodd shifts from prop to the back row, while Mary Coleman is drafted in at front row.
Captain Jodie Cunningham provides a timely boost, overcoming an ear injury to take her place among the substitutes. In the centres, Georgia Wilson replaces Molly Jones, while Millard’s inclusion makes her the sole heritage player remaining in the squad following Jasmin Strange’s tournament-ending knee injury.
Victory would secure a likely semi-final rematch with New Zealand, the side that ended England’s campaign at the same stage in the 2022 World Cup.
England Women: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Izzy Rowe, Georgia Roche, Mary Coleman, Keara Bennett, Liv Wood, Lucy Murray, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Megan Williams.
Interchange: Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Hope Millard, Lucie Sams.
Reserves: Ruby Bruce, Evie Cousins, Molly Jones.