Matthews leads England as skipper in World Cup clash with Australia

Alex Matthews to Lead England Against Australia in Rugby World Cup Clash

Alex Matthews will captain England for just the second time in her career as the team faces Australia in their final pool match of the Rugby World Cup. The encounter sees 12 changes to the starting lineup.

Jess Breach is set to earn her 50th cap on the wing, while Holly Aitchison could make her first appearance of the tournament from the bench. A victory would confirm England’s place at the top of the pool, having already secured a spot in the quarter-finals.

Matthews previously captained England for the first time at the 2024 WXV tournament against the USA. She takes on the role again despite vice-captain Meg Jones keeping her place at outside centre. Regular captain Zoe Aldcroft remains sidelined with injury, and Marlie Packer, who led the team last week against Samoa, is not in the squad.

Breach, who scored a hat-trick against Samoa in the previous match to bring her England try tally to 52, retains her position.

Head coach John Mitchell praised Breach, saying, “Reaching 50 caps is a testament to years of hard work and dedication, not just from the player but from those who support them. Jess should be proud of this achievement, and we look forward to seeing her play on Saturday.”

Aitchison has been named among the replacements after recovering from an ankle injury that kept her out of the first two games. If she features, every member of England’s 32-player squad will have played before the knockout stage.

Abby Dow returns on the wing, needing just one try to reach 50 for England, while Ellie Kildunne completes the back three. Morwenna Talling starts at blindside flanker, with Sadia Kabeya returning at openside flanker. Maddie Feaunati begins on the bench, and the second row will see Rosie Galligan and Abbie Ward paired together.

Mitchell added, “We aim to build on our earlier performances and finish the pool stage strongly against Australia.”