England have made eight changes to their starting lineup for Saturday's Women's Six Nations opener against Ireland at Allianz Stadium. Helena Rowland will start at inside centre, replacing the injured Tatyana Heard, as the Red Roses begin their title defense as world champions.

More than 75,000 tickets have been sold for the match, marking England's first game since their World Cup triumph. The team features a fresh half-back pairing with Lucy Packer and Holly Aitchison coming in, while 19-year-old Haineala Lutui could make her debut from the bench. Megan Jones captains the side.

Head coach John Mitchell's side are on a 33-game winning run and chasing an eighth straight Six Nations title. The inclusion of young players like Lutui and the promotion of Rowland suggests Mitchell is already planning for the 2029 World Cup in Australia. The match will be played in front of what could be a record crowd for a Women's Six Nations game.