Red Roses make four changes to starting XV for Canada Test

Key points

• England's Red Roses made four changes to their starting XV for the Test against Canada in Toronto.
• Amy Cokayne, Tatyana Heard, Hannah Botterman and Abi Burton come into the starting side.
• The match follows a 26-26 draw with Canada in Exeter and a 26-19 win over New Zealand.

England's Red Roses have made four changes to their starting XV for their game against Canada in Rugby's WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell has brought in hooker Amy Cokayne, centre Tatyana Heard, loosehead prop Hannah Botterman and back-row Abi Burton to start in Toronto on Saturday.

The match comes a month after England and Canada drew 26-26 in Exeter. England most recently needed a try in the final play to beat New Zealand 26-19 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Changes to the squad

Centre Helena Rowland, hooker Bryony Field and prop Mackenzie Carson drop to the replacements bench. Flanker Sadia Kabeya returns to the bench after a leg injury, while Marlie Packer misses England's North American tour ahead of partner Rosie Galligan giving birth.

Bristol Bears forward Demelza Short, 20, features as a replacement for the first time in the WXV Global Series. The second Test will be played in front of a record crowd for a standalone women's rugby match in North America.

The first Test in Exeter gave us a valuable opportunity to test our game under pressure and identify where we can improve

— head coach John Mitchell

What Mitchell said

Mitchell said the first Test in Exeter gave the team a valuable chance to test their game under pressure and identify areas to improve. He added that the focus is on raising their level, strengthening connections and continuing to evolve as a team.

He said playing in Toronto presents a different environment and challenge, and that the team is excited to express their game and continue to grow as the Red Roses.