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Marlie Packer to lead England as Wales lose co-captains

Marlie Packer will skipper England against Samoa
Marlie Packer will skipper England against Samoa

Marlie Packer will lead England into their World Cup match against Samoa on Saturday as head coach John Mitchell makes extensive changes.

There are only two survivors from the starting XV that amassed 11 tries in Sunderland, with Packer the skipper in her first appearance since serving a one-match ban for being sent off for a dangerous clear-out against Spain earlier this month.

Zoe Aldcroft, England's captain for the tournament, is stood down as part of squad rotation for the pool stage, which ends against Australia on 6 September.

Emily Scarratt won her 119th cap off the bench in the 69-7 victory over USA last Friday but is missing from the 23 to take on the Islanders at Franklin’s Gardens (5pm).

Pool A after round one

Wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and fly-half Helena Rowland return from injury to make their first appearances of the World Cup, while tournament debutant Jade Shekells partners Megan Jones in midfield.

"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," Mitchell said.

"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."

SALFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Alex Callender of Wales breaks away with the ball, is challenged by Beth Blacklock of Scotland and Elis Martin of Scotland during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool B match between Scotland and Wales at the Salford Community Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Salford, Eng

Meanwhile, Wales co-captains Alex Callender (above) and Kate Williams have been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Canada (12pm).

Injuries to the pair are a huge blow for Wales, who were thrashed 38-8 by Scotland in their tournament opener and now face the prospect of failing to reach the quarter-finals.

Flanker Bethan Lewis will win her 60th cap and skipper Wales for the first time.

"We have taken a hard look at ourselves and there have been honest conversations about the performance we need against one of the best teams in the world," Wales head coach Sean Lynn said ahead of Saturday's clash at the Salford Community Stadium.

"Canada are the number two team in the world and one of the favourites to win the World Cup and we know they will be a major challenge."

Back rowers Callender (foot) and Williams (calf) are expected to be fit for Wales' final Pool B game against Fiji in Exeter.

Lynn has made seven changes from the line-up that started against Scotland.

Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon and Sisilia Tuipulotu make up a new-look front row and Harlequins lock Abbie Fleming comes into the engine room.

Bryonie King and Georgia Evans slot into the back row and Carys Cox replaces Hannah Dallavalle in the centre.

Pool B after round one

Elsewhere, Scotland have named Elis Martin at hooker in the only change to their side for Saturday's World Cup clash with Fiji at Salford Community Stadium (2.45pm).

Martin makes her first start in the competition as a replacement for Lana Skeldon, who overcame an ankle injury to play against Wales but is now missing from the 23 altogether.

Molly Wright provides cover in the position on a bench that sees head coach Bryan Easson continue with a six-two split between forwards and backs.

Francesca McGhie continues on the left wing after running in a hat-trick in the six-try rout of Wales that launched Scotland’s World Cup in blazing fashion.

Fiji are positioned 14th in the global rankings, eight places below Scotland, and were thumped 65-7 in their tournament opener against Canada.


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