Harlequins Ladies vs Saracens Women

Harlequins Ladies have made five changes to the squad that will face Saracens Women in the double-header at The Stoop this Sunday, kick-off 17:30.

Both teams go into this match unbeaten in the Tyrrells Premier 15s with just a point separating the two.

All six England Internationals start after returning from their 3-0 whitewash over Canada in the Old Mutual Wealth Series with Rachael Burford captaining the side.

Hannah Field and Fiona Fletcher return to the back row with Jenny Vik, Zoe Saynor and Sammy Voyle amongst the replacements.

Both teams are currently undefeated this season with Quins sitting in top spot having picked up eight bonus points from eight matches and Saracens hunting them down just one point behind.

The Sarries pack is bolstered by the return of Italian international Valeria Fedrighi and the experienced Sonia Green in the second row. The back row battle will be key and Rob Cain has opted for Poppy Cleall at No.8 with sister Bryony at blindside flanker and Marlie Packer packing down on the opposite flank. Up front Hannah Botterman starts at tighthead following her international debut in the autumn series and is joined by Kat Evans at hooker and Loz Salisbury at loose head prop.

There’s change in the back three as Ama Mayes and Nina Vistisen come in to replace the injured Garnet Mackinder and Rowan White at wing and full back. Lotte Clapp continues to captain from the wing.   The youthful centre partnership of Helena Rowland and Cara Wardle is reignited whilst in the halves, Georgie Gulliver is named at scrum-half with Zoe Harrison playing alongside her at fly-half.

Speaking ahead of the match, head coach Rob Cain said:  “Quins have shown during the first round of the competition how dangerous their passing game is and how much speed they generate when they have time and space.  They have a lot of experience and I am excited for our playing group to continue to grow and enjoy the type of challenges that games like this present. 

“This week been about refreshing our key principles and aims after the international break with the aim of picking up where we left off. At the end of the day, one of the team’s undefeated streaks will come to an end so for the neutral it promises to be an exciting, fast paced affair. To have our faithful Saracens supporters there at the Stoop will make a big difference for us and help drive the players on.”