From the win over Canada that secured England’s WXV1 title success in October, Mitchell has made seven changes in personnel and some positional alterations to his starting XV to face Italy.
Mitchell refused to use the word ‘rotation’ to describe his selections. Instead, his approach is “one team operating as two”.
Lock Zoe Aldcroft captains the side for the first time since Mitchell replaced Marlie Packer as skipper, with Packer taking up her new role as vice-captain from open-side flanker.
Mia Venner is rewarded for her fine Premiership Women’s Rugby form with a spot on the wing for a first cap in five years, while full-back Emma Sing will hope to show why a high-percentage goal-kicker needs to be in a World Cup squad.
Exeter Chiefs’ Claudia MacDonald, who has recovered from a second serious neck injury, will be keen to show a reminder of her skills that were integral in England’s run to the World Cup final in 2022.
Lock Lilli Ives Campion is another player making her first start for the Red Roses, while GB Sevens player Jade Shekells and Exeter scrum-half Flo Robinson could make their debuts off the bench.
Helena Rowland has been tasked with driving the side from fly-half, despite playing the majority of her rugby for England in the midfield.
The team and coaches had an impressive display of commitment with a goal to sharply improve the user experience from the last version.
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