Photo via BBC Sport

Field to make first England start in World Cup final rematch with Canada

Bryony Field is set to make her first starting appearance for England as the Red Roses host Canada at Sandy Park this Saturday in the WXV Global Series. Following her try-scoring debut as a substitute during last week's 48-15 triumph against Australia in Salford, the Huddersfield RFC product steps into the number two jersey amidst an availability crisis that sees Amy Cokayne sidelined through injury, Connie Powell recovering from an operation, and Lark Atkin-Davies away following the birth of her child.

Field links up in the front row with fellow props Maud Muir and Hannah Botterman, while the lineup also introduces a fresh half-back pairing of Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison alongside returning injured duo Jess Breach and Alex Matthews. In total, 14 members of the matchday squad featured in last year's World Cup final victory over the Canadians.

England hold a commanding record against Canada, claiming 34 wins from 38 historical clashes, including an ongoing 14-match winning run since suffering a 52-17 defeat in Salt Lake City in 2016. Head coach John Mitchell highlighted the growing significance of the rivalry, warning that the Canadians present a disciplined, well-drilled test that will demand higher execution than the Wallaroos match.

Following Saturday's fixture in Exeter, the Red Roses will face second-ranked New Zealand at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium on 26 September before traveling across the Atlantic for October fixtures featuring rematches against Canada in Toronto and Ottawa, as well as an encounter with the United States in New Jersey.