Marlie Packer to lead England in World Cup clash against South Africa
The 2014 World Cup-winning flanker will pack down alongside Poppy Cleall and Morwenna Talling in the back-row
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Marlie Packer will captain England for the first time in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup Pool C clash with South Africa.
The 2014 World Cup-winning flanker will pack down alongside Poppy Cleall and Morwenna Talling in the back-row.
Fly-half Zoe Harrison will be vice-captain of head coach Simon Middleton’s side.
England will bid to extend again their world-record run of 27 consecutive Test victories, having thumped Fiji 84-19 and ground past France 13-7.
Middleton’s side have the chance to seal top spot in Pool C and the most favourable route into the knockout phase.
“Marlie is a world-class player, an extremely popular member of the group, supportive on and off the field and plays a huge role in driving the team,” said Middleton.
“I know the whole player and staff group are delighted she’s leading the side this week and she is immensely proud too.
“I was really pleased with the performance against France. We dominated large parts of the contest and I felt the scoreline didn’t reflect the game overall.
I know the whole player and staff group are delighted she’s leading the side this week and she is immensely proud too
“We know we will need to be more clinical going forward but our game management was world class, we hardly gave France a look in and the way we closed out the game showed all the composure we’ve come to expect from the squad.
“The game against South Africa is an extremely important fixture as it dictates our passage and route in the quarter-finals.
“It’s also the first time the majority of our starting XV start a World Cup match which is something to be celebrated for each individual and collectively. We’re all really excited to see how they go.”
England team to face South Africa in New Zealand on Sunday
S McKenna (Saracens), A Dow (Wasps), H Aitchison (Saracens), T Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury), J Breach, Z Harrison (both Saracens), L Packer (Harlequins), H Botterman (Saracens), C Powell, M Muir (both Gloucester-Hartpury), R Galligan (Harlequins), C O’Donnell, M Talling (both Loughborough Lightning), M Packer, P Cleall (both Saracens). Replacements: A Cockayne, V Cornborough (both Harlequins), S Bern (Bristol), Z Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury), S Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), L Infante (Saracens), E Scarratt, H Rowland (both Loughborough Lightning).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments