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Zoe Aldcroft returns for England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Scotland in one of four changes made to the Red Roses starting XV for Sunday’s game.
The captain missed two pool games with a knee injury but is back at blindside flanker with Sadia Kabeya at openside and Alex Matthews at No 8. Morwenna Talling moves back to the second row with her lock partner Rosie Galligan.
Hannah Botterman is not involved in the matchday squad after coming off against Australia with an acute back spasm. Kelsey Clifford starts at loosehead prop with Maud Muir at tighthead and Amy Cokayne at hooker to round off the front row.
Holly Aitchison, who starts her first game of the tournament at fly-half, came off the bench for her first appearance in the competition last week after recovering from an ankle injury. Her half-back partner will be Natasha Hunt who keeps her shirt at scrum-half.
The star full-back Ellie Kildunne has been ruled out because of concussion protocol so Helena Rowland starts at 15 with Emma Sing on the bench. On the wings Abby Dow and Jess Breach retain their shirts.
The head coach, John Mitchell, said: “The first stage of the tournament is behind us, and now we enter a new stage of the competition that has an end point. We are adapting well to different situations, and while we recognise Scotland have improved, we will still believe we can build pressure on them. This is an exciting challenge that we’re ready for.
“We trust our girls to be consistent, take ownership of their roles, embrace the occasion, and earn the right to another week in this competition.
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“The enthusiasm surrounding the tournament has been incredible with support growing across the country. We know Bristol will be no different and the girls are relishing the opportunity to rise to the occasion.”
