Ellie Kildunne has been named on the England bench for the second consecutive match, despite head coach John Mitchell making six changes to his side for the fixture against the USA. The 27-year-old full-back, who was dropped for the 31-22 defeat by Canada last Saturday, will again have to settle for a place on the bench for Friday's match in New Jersey. With 67 England caps to her name, Kildunne was named World Rugby's player of the year in 2024 and starred in the Red Roses' 2025 World Cup victory.
Four of Mitchell's changes are to the backs, with Tatyana Heard, Claudia Moloney-Mac Donald, Flo Robinson and Holly Aitchison handed their first starts of the tour, while forwards Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir replace Hannah Botterman and Sarah Bern. Mitchell stated the intent is to start the next phase strongly against the USA, with six months until the next Test in the Women's Six Nations, rotating positions to refresh the group, create opportunities and continue building depth.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing