England forced into late change as injury sidelines World Player of the Year ahead of Six Nations title decider
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points Difference (PD) | Bonus | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | +184 | 4 | 20 |
| 2 | France | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | +78 | 3 | 19 |
| 3 | Ireland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | +12 | 2 | 10 |
| 4 | Italy | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -80 | 1 | 5 |
| 5 | Scotland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -80 | 0 | 4 |
| 6 | Wales | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -114 | 1 | 1 |
The stage is set for another titanic finale in the Women’s Six Nations, but England’s pursuit of a seventh consecutive title will unfold without one of their brightest stars. World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne has been ruled out of Saturday’s Grand Slam decider against France at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, a minor hamstring issue forcing head coach John Mitchell into a significant late shuffle.
In her place steps the electric Emma Sing, who made her mark with an 11-point showing in the opening round against Italy in York. The 24-year-old now gets the nod to start in what is easily the biggest match of her international career to date.
Kildunne’s absence a precaution — and a chance for others
While any absence of a player like Kildunne — so often England’s spark in the backline — might trigger concern among fans, Mitchell was quick to allay fears that her injury is serious.
“She could actually play,” he revealed. “But her hamstring is something we want to get right. We don’t want to lose Ellie as a result of stretching it any further, and it also means we can back our squad.”
It’s a pragmatic approach from the Kiwi coach, who has enjoyed a seamless campaign since taking over the Red Roses. Mitchell confirmed that Kildunne is expected to return in June for Women’s Rugby World Cup preparations, and the decision to rest her now is about long-term gain — both for the player and for the squad as a whole.
England head into Saturday’s match riding a 24-game winning streak, including 14 straight victories over France, and have looked ominously efficient throughout the 2024 championship.
Harrison returns at 10, Hunt back at scrum-half
The headline change in the backs comes at fly-half, where Zoe Harrison is restored to the starting role over Holly Aitchison, who started last year’s Grand Slam-sealing win over France in Bordeaux. Harrison, a stalwart at Saracens, will pair up with the experienced Natasha Hunt at nine, with Lucy Packer dropping to the bench despite her solid showing in the 46-0 rout of Scotland last weekend.
The tweaks aren’t just about experience; they’re also tactical. “Selection is based on tactical picks and the girls that have been more consistent in the tournament in the skillsets we require,” Mitchell explained. “That doesn’t mean the other girls are any less good, but you just have to go with the strengths within your group and use them when you need them.”
Claudia MacDonald, fresh off a player-of-the-match performance against Scotland, retains her spot on the left wing, meaning Jess Breach is the notable omission from the starting XV. The right wing remains in the hands of Abby Dow, while Tatyana Heard and Megan Jones anchor the midfield.
Feaunati makes first start, Burton on bench
Among the forwards, Maddie Feaunati of Exeter Chiefs earns her first England start at open-side flanker, a reward for her explosive club form. The back row is completed by World Cup winner Alex Matthews at number eight and captain Zoe Aldcroft at blind-side — remarkably, the only player to have started every game in this year’s campaign.
There’s a significant reshuffle on the bench too. Abi Burton, who announced her arrival on the international stage with a two-try display against Wales in round two, provides a high-impact option, while Amy Cokayne returns from a pectoral injury to bolster the front row. There’s no room for former skipper Marlie Packer or Sadia Kabeya, which is perhaps the clearest sign yet of England’s incredible depth.
Mitchell has also opted for utility in his replacements, with Helena Rowland covering multiple backline positions. That choice means there’s no place for 35-year-old legend Emily Scarratt, who featured off the bench in Bordeaux last year.
The only mild injury doubt remains Rosie Galligan, listed among the replacements despite a cut on her knee sustained in training. Her status will likely be determined closer to kick-off.
France hunting history in Grand Slam finale
On the other side, France come into this year’s decider desperate to turn the tide in the rivalry. Les Bleues have not beaten England since 2018, but have pushed them close on several occasions — including last year’s barnstorming finale in Bordeaux.
They’ve made two changes to their back row, bringing in Lea Champon for her first start of the championship at open-side and welcoming back Charlotte Escudero at blind-side flanker. The ever-reliable half-back pairing of Pauline Bourdon Sansus and Carla Arbez remains unchanged, while Joanna Grisez keeps her place on the wing after scoring in the second-half comeback against Italy.
Kelly Arbey is the other wing, while 20-year-old Taina Maka could make her debut off the bench — a mobile and aggressive forward who can cover both flanker and lock.
All roads lead to Twickenham
This will be the fourth straight year that England and France meet in the final round of the Women’s Six Nations with a Grand Slam at stake. It’s a fixture that has grown in stature, quality, and anticipation — and this year’s edition feels particularly momentous.
Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium is expected to host a bumper crowd, and while the Red Roses will be favourites — especially on home soil — they know better than to underestimate a French side packed with flair and fire.
With a new face in Emma Sing stepping into a high-pressure role and seasoned campaigners like Harrison, Hunt, and Matthews ready to lead from the front, England will hope that their tried-and-tested formula continues to deliver.
A Grand Slam would be their seventh in a row. For France, it’s a chance to finally flip the script. Either way, the 2024 finale is shaping up to be an unforgettable clash in the growing legend of the Women’s Six Nations.
