England vs Scotland line-ups: Team news ahead of Women’s Six Nations fixture

Everything you need to know as the two sides begin their Women Six Nations campaigns

England and Scotland meet at Kingston Park (PA Wire)

England will bid farewell to Sarah Hunter as the number eight bows out of the sport against Scotland in her home city of Newcastle.

Hunter, England’s most capped player, will make her 141st and final appearance in a Red Roses shirt as her side kick off their campaign.

The hosts find themselves in a period of significant change, with head coach Simon Middleton departing after this tournament and a number of senior figures missing from his squad.

Scotland will hope to capitalise on the disruption and spoil Hunter’s farewell.

Here’s everything you need to know:

When is England vs Scotland?

England vs Scotland is due to kick-off at 4.45pm GMT on Saturday 25 March at Kingston Park in Newcastle, England.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC Two, with coverage from 4.15pm GMT. The action will also be available on the BBC iPlayer, or via the BBC Sport app or website.

Team news

Sarah Hunter’s farewell dominated the build-up England’s opening fixture, with the 37-year-old named as co-captain with fellow back row Marlie Packer. Mackenzie Carson makes a second international debut in the front row - the Saracens prop previously represented Canada, but has observed a stand-down period and qualifies for England via her mother.

Injuries to Zoe Harrison and Helena Rowland prompt an opportunity for Holly Aitchison at fly-half, with the playmaker partnered in midfield by Amber Reed and Lagi Tuima, who both missed out on Simon Middleton’s World Cup squad. Carson is joined in the squad by three more potential debutants - props Liz Crake and Kelsey Clifford should earn first caps from the bench, along with scrum-half Ella Wyrwas.

Scotland have promised to play with more adventure having becoming rather too accustomed to losing narrowly during the World Cup. As such, head coach Bryan Easson makes a number of bold selection calls for the trip to Newcastle, trusting an inexperienced backline to pose England problems. Wing Francesca McGhie earns a first cap after impressing for the Thistles during the developmental Celtic Challenge, while young centre pairing Emma Orr and Meryl Smith are potential future stars.

The forward pack is much more experienced and entirely England-based, ready to lock horns with familiar Premier 15s foes. Rachel Malcolm, a back row colleague of Hunter’s at Loughborough Lightning, captains the side, though powerful number eight Jade Konkel-Roberts is not available after injury. Konkel-Roberts’ Harlequins teammate Beth Blacklock is set for a debut in the backline from the bench after impressive club performances.

Line-ups

England XV: Mackenzie Carson, Amy Cokayne, Sarah Bern; Zoe Aldcroft, Poppy Cleall; Sadia Kabeya, Marlie Packer (co-capt.), Sarah Hunter (co-capt.); Lucy Packer, Holly Aitchison; Claudia MacDonald, Amber Reed, Lagi Tuima, Jess Breach; Abby Dow.

Replacements: Lark Davies, Liz Crake, Kelsey Clifford, Cath O’Donnell, Sarah Beckett; Ella Wyrwas, Tatyana Heard, Emma Sing.

Scotland XV: Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Christine Belisle; Lyndsay O’Donnell, Louise McMillan; Rachel Malcolm (capt.), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher; Caity Mattinson, Helen Nelson; Francesca McGhie, Meryl Smith, Emma Orr, Coreen Grant; Chloe Rollie.

Replacements: Jodie Rettie, Anne Young, Elliann Clarke, Eva Donaldson, Eilidh Sinclair; Mairi McDonald, Beth Blacklock, Liz Musgrove.

Prediction

Even missing a host of first-choice starters, England should have more than enough quality to ensure a winning send-off for Sarah Hunter. England 45-14 Scotland