England head coach Gary Street is relishing the chance to welcome back a number of senior players to his side as they warm up for a three-Test series against New Zealand against France this weekend.
Saturday’s clash in Esher will see the return of Heather Fisher, Jane Leonard and Fran Matthews to XVs rugby – something all three are yet to play in 2012.
Additionally, Bristol centre Amber Reed – niece of former Scotland lock Andy – and Worcester’s Joanne Watmore are in line for their debuts against Les Bleues as Street mixes youth with some old heads.
“This is largely a young and experimental squad as we look to give several Elite Playing Squad (EPS) members a run-out before the three test match series against New Zealand next month,” said Street, who guided his side to a seventh straight RBS 6 Nations title earlier this season.
“Playing France is always tough so it’s a great chance to test the mental strength of the younger players in a big game environment.
“It’s also an opportunity to give game time to several players who are returning to XVs rugby after a long period out with injuries.
“Although the likes of Heather Fisher, Jane Leonard and Fran Mathews have been playing international sevens, they have not played XVs for quite some time so it’s great to have them back in the fold.
“Both Fisher and Leonard are physical, powerful and exciting players that will bring a lot of impact, alongside Sarah Hunter, in our backrow.”
Reed gets the nod at centre alongside Claire Allan, who will make her first appearance for England in more than two years, while Watmore, a former Great Britain rugby league player is on the bench.
Sarah Hunter will captain England against a French team looking for revenge after Street’s side prevailed 29-25 in the European Cup final last May.
That competition saw players such as Kate Newton, Emily Braund, Ruth Laybourn and Fiona Davidson bedded into international rugby, and Street expects just as stern a test on Saturday.
“We relish playing France – it is always a massive match – and I am sure after their European Cup defeat they’ll be smarting,” he added.
“They will come over here determined to put one over us on our turf, so this match will be a great challenge against one of our closest rivals.
“At the same time, just like last year and just as importantly for us is using this game to prepare for our autumn series against New Zealand.
“This is a great opportunity for the players to put their hands up for selection but also for us to try out new combinations.”
