Red Roses team named for Rugby World Cup vs Australia

England wing Jess Breach will mark her 50th cap this weekend, just one match after surpassing 50 international tries with a hat-trick against Samoa. Her milestone comes eight years on from a stunning debut, when she crossed the line six times against Canada in 2017.

Head coach John Mitchell praised the achievement, saying: “To reach 50 caps for your country is testament to the hard work and dedication put in over a number of years, not only by the individual but by those who support them daily. Jess should be incredibly proud of her milestone and we’re looking forward to her taking to the field on Saturday.”

Breach is joined in the starting side by centre Megan Jones and lock Rosie Galligan, with Mitchell making 13 changes overall. The backline remains the same as the one that opened the tournament in Sunderland earlier this month.

Mitchell said the Red Roses are determined to keep building momentum: “We want to build on our opening matches of the tournament and finish the pool stage with a good performance against Australia.”

With Brighton hosting its first Red Roses match, Mitchell added: “It’s a new venue with a history of World Cup magic. We’re excited to see thousands of supporters on the south coast backing the girls.”