Shekells handed first start as England change nine in bold reshuffle by Red Roses
With the Six Nations title almost within their grasp, England head coach John Mitchell has rung the changes. Nine, to be exact. But perhaps the most eye-catching of them all is Gloucester-Hartpury’s Jess Shekells being handed her first start for the Red Roses – a moment she’s dreamed about for years.
At 28, Shekells is no stranger to high-level rugby. She’s already represented Great Britain on the Olympic stage, featuring in the sevens squad in Paris last year. But now she steps onto the international XVs scene in a much more prominent role – starting against Scotland in a match that could all but secure England’s seventh consecutive Six Nations crown.
Shekells made her debut earlier in this tournament, coming off the bench in the opening win over Italy. It was a steady introduction, one that hinted at her potential without placing too much pressure on her shoulders. This time, though, she’s right in the thick of it from the first whistle.
“It’s a huge honour,” Shekells said earlier this week. “To be able to represent your country is always special, but to start in a Test match – and in such an important one – is just incredible.”
A bold reshuffle with one eye on the title
England’s clash with Scotland in Leicester could be pivotal. The Red Roses have already notched up three bonus-point wins – over Italy, Wales, and Ireland – and victory this Saturday, combined with a slip-up from second-placed France in Italy, would see them crowned champions with a game to spare.
Mitchell’s decision to rotate heavily reflects both confidence in the squad’s depth and a clear strategy to manage workloads ahead of a possible Grand Slam decider in Round 5. It’s no small feat to change nine players in a team chasing history, but if any squad can absorb that kind of shake-up, it’s England’s.
Among those returning is a familiar face – former captain Marlie Packer. The influential open-side flanker has been sidelined since the win over Italy but is back in the starting lineup and chasing a personal milestone: she’s one try away from her 50th in England colours.
Packer’s presence brings steel to the back row, but her return also comes with a shift in leadership. Zoe Aldcroft, who took on the captaincy earlier this year, retains her spot at blind-side flanker and continues to lead the side. The Gloucester-Hartpury lock has been the picture of consistency, the only player to start every game of this championship.
Maddie Feaunati returns to the back row
There’s more movement in the pack as Exeter Chiefs’ Maddie Feaunati reclaims the number eight jersey. The 22-year-old made a strong impression in the opening rounds before Alex Matthews stepped in against Ireland. Now Feaunati gets another chance to stake her claim in what’s becoming an increasingly competitive back row.
In the second row, Rosie Galligan returns to partner Abbie Ward, replacing Morwenna Talling. Meanwhile, both Sarah Bern and Kelsey Clifford are rewarded for their impactful cameos in Cork last week with starts in the front row. Their tries off the bench helped England power past Ireland, and Mitchell clearly liked what he saw.
There’s a slight reshuffle on the bench as well, with Maud Muir and Hannah Botterman dropping into the replacements, and Saracens hooker May Campbell being named as cover. Campbell could win her third cap this weekend, depending on whether regular starter Amy Cockayne recovers from a pectoral muscle scan.
Half-back changes reflect growing competition
Mitchell hasn’t just changed things up in the pack. The half-backs have also been swapped out, with Lucy Packer and Holly Aitchison coming in for Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison. It’s an interesting call, especially given Harrison’s strong form in recent weeks.
Harrison, who plays for Saracens, has helped orchestrate comfortable wins against both Wales and Ireland. But Aitchison – her Bristol Bears counterpart – was England’s go-to fly-half during last year’s Grand Slam campaign and now gets her first start of this year’s tournament.
It’s clear Mitchell is looking at the bigger picture. With a Rugby World Cup on the horizon this summer, he’s using every opportunity to test combinations and keep the squad fresh.
Lucy Packer, meanwhile, has been one of the tournament’s top playmakers. She’s currently tied with Harrison for most try assists in the competition, and her return to the starting XV is a clear nod to the depth of talent England boasts at scrum-half.
Backline stays sharp with Olympic flair
One of the consistent threads running through this England team is the Olympic influence. Shekells isn’t the only Paris 2024 alum in the backline – Ellie Kildunne and Megan Jones are also retained after impressive displays in Cork. Kildunne, playing at full-back, continues to be one of England’s most electric threats in open play, while Jones adds creativity and punch in midfield.
On the wings, there’s a change as Exeter Chiefs flyer Claudia MacDonald comes in for Jessica Breach. MacDonald marked her return to international action with a try against Italy and now gets her second start of the campaign, lining up opposite Abby Dow.
It’s a backline bursting with speed, invention, and finishing prowess – all of which will be needed against a Scotland side looking to bounce back after a disappointing 25-17 home defeat to Italy last weekend.
Scarratt returns for hometown farewell?
There’s another emotional subplot unfolding on Saturday – the return of England legend Emily Scarratt. The 35-year-old, who hasn’t featured since Round 1, is back on the bench and could make what may be one of her final international appearances in her hometown of Leicester.
Scarratt has 117 caps, a Rugby World Cup title from 2014, and only two Six Nations losses in her career. Her last outing at Mattioli Woods Welford Road saw her score 10 points in a 69-0 demolition of Ireland in 2022 – a day she celebrated her 100th cap.
Now, with the end of her international journey possibly on the horizon, Saturday’s fixture carries added meaning.
“When you have those opportunities to come home, they don’t come around very often,” Scarratt said in a recent interview. “It’s a special occasion and there are not too many more of those left. The crowd in Leicester always brings the noise – I hope they’re in full voice again.”
What’s at stake?
England’s unbeaten run stretches to 23 games and counting. A win this weekend would set them up for a mouth-watering Grand Slam decider against France at Allianz Stadium on April 26. But they can’t afford to take Scotland lightly. Despite a mixed campaign, the visitors are still capable of springing a surprise.
For Mitchell, this game is more than just another step toward the title. It’s about building momentum, testing depth, and giving players like Shekells the platform to shine.
If Saturday goes to plan, it could be a defining moment for this evolving Red Roses team – one that blends experience with fresh energy, and tradition with bold ambition.
