Emily Scarratt will wear the captain’s armband on Finals Day as England go in search of a third straight Women’s Six Nations title against France.
The match is live on BBC Two in the UK, kicking off at 2pm.
Scarratt replaces regular skipper Sarah Hunter, who is still working her way back to peak form and fitness following 13 months on the sidelines.
England have made seven changes to the side that beat Italy two weeks ago, with Poppy Cleall – the player of the match against Scotland in Round 1 – restored to the side ahead of Hunter at No.8.
Cleall is part of an all-new back-row that sees flankers Zoe Aldcroft and Marlie Packer start, while Abbie Ward returns in the second row and Lark Davies is in at hooker.
In the backs, Zoe Harrison makes her first start of the Championship at inside centre and will act as the second playmaker outside fly-half Helena Rowland, while Sarah McKenna is in at full-back.
“It was great to have Sarah Hunter back against Italy,” head coach Simon Middleton said.
“She’s not quite at the level she would want to be and we need for this game at the moment which is to be expected and anticipated after 13 months out.
“Sarah respects there are a lot of players in the back row and back five in great form at this point and that in games like this you need to be able to go for 80 minutes as a starter. She’s not quite there yet but it’s a challenge she’s more than up for.
“We’ve brought Marlie back in this week. Physicality at the breakdown will be imperative against France and amongst other things that’s what Marlie gives you. Marlie’s one of the best in the world in that area.”
He added: “Our discipline will be essential, especially with the pace they have with their tap-and-gos.
“It will be a great final and we’re all really excited.
“We’ve seen a different format in the Six Nations which brings excitement as everything and everyone works towards that one big game and Saturday is that game.
“This is a big test to translate what we’re doing on the training field and one we will relish as a group.”
England team to play France
15. Sarah McKenna (Saracens Women, 34 caps) 14. Jess Breach (Harlequins Women, 17 caps) 13. Emily Scarratt (C; Loughborough Lightning, 94 caps) 12. Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women, 28 caps) 11. Abby Dow (Wasps FC Ladies, 16 caps) 10. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 5 caps) 9. Leanne Riley (Harlequins Women, 41 caps)
1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Women, 58 caps) 2. Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 30 caps) 3. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Women, 22 caps) 4. Abbie Ward (Harlequins Women, 46 caps) 5. Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 17 caps) 6. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury Women, 22 caps) 7. Marlie Packer (Saracens Women, 75 caps) 8. Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women, 45 caps)
Finishers
16. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins Women, 55 caps) 17. Detysha Harper (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps) 18. Bryony Cleall (Saracens Women, 3 caps) 19. Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps FC Ladies, 60 caps) 20. Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, 124 caps) 21. Claudia MacDonald (Wasps FC Ladies, 14 caps) 22. Lagi Tuima (Harlequins Women, 7 caps) 23. Ellie Kildunne (Wasps FC Ladies, 13 caps)
