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England unchanged for Women's Rugby World Cup final clash with Canada

Ellie Kildunne starred in the 35-17 semi-final victory over France
Ellie Kildunne starred in the 35-17 semi-final victory over France

England have named an unchanged starting XV and bench for Saturday's World Cup final against Canada at Allianz Stadium.

In a vote of confidence in the 23 that came through a test of character in England's last-four clash with France, they have been offered the chance to claim the game’s ultimate prize for the first time since 2014.

The selection means centre Megan Jones, who has been shortlisted for world player of the year, and wing Jess Breach will have started all six of the Red Roses’ games in the tournament.

Fresh from her two-try player of the match display against France, Ellie Kildunne will spearhead England’s attack against opponents ranked second in the world, who dispatched current champions New Zealand in the other semi-final.

Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison remain as first choice half-backs while Zoe Aldcroft leads the team from blindside flanker.

England are odds-on to prevail in a repeat of the 2014 showpiece but are under pressure to prove they can deliver on the greatest stage of all, having appeared in eight finals but won only two of them.

"Our staff and players have worked hard to reach this stage of the tournament," head coach John Mitchell said.

"Playing a World Cup final at Allianz Stadium in front of a record 82,000 is a significant milestone for the sport.

"We are well prepared for the challenge against Canada. It is number one versus number two in the world, and we know the contest will demand a full 80 minutes.

"Our focus remains on staying in our process and executing effectively."

England: Ellie Kildunne; Abby Dow, Meg Jones, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt; Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, Maud Muir, Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward, Zoe Aldcroft (capt), Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews.

Replacements: Lark Atkin-Davies, Kelsey Clifford, Sarah Bern, Rosie Galligan, Maddie Feaunati, Lucy Packer, Hollie Aitchison, Helena Rowland.

Watch the Women's Rugby World Cup final on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 3.15 Saturday and follow live updates with RTÉ Sport Online and the RTÉ News app

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