Zoe Aldcroft has been named at blindside flanker as England Women host New Zealand Women in their opening autumn international on Sunday at Sandy Park. Kick off is 2:30pm and the game will be broadcast live on BBC 2.

Head coach Simon Middleton is looking forward to the game.

“We’re really looking forward to the autumn internationals and opening against New Zealand at Sandy Park.

“The number one ranked side in the world coming up against the reigning champions is an exciting prospect.

“We’re really starting to see some of our youngsters mature into fine players and this autumn series is a great opportunity for them to stake a claim for the World Cup."

England Women team to play New Zealand

15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 15 caps)

14. Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors, 47 caps)

13. Holly Aitchison (Saracens, uncapped)

12. Amber Reed (VC; Bristol Bears Women, 58 caps)

11. Abby Dow (Wasps, 18 caps)

10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 30 caps)

9. Claudia MacDonald (Wasps, 15 caps)

1. Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 22 caps)

2. Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 31 caps)

3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 36 caps)

4. Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 47 caps)

5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 47 caps)

6. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 24 caps)

7. Marlie Packer (Saracens, 76 caps)

8. Sarah Hunter (C; Loughborough Lightning, 126 caps)

16. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 57 caps)

17. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 60 caps)

18. Maud Muir (Wasps, uncapped)

19. Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps, 62 caps)

20. Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 41 caps)

21. Leanne Infante (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)

22. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 6 caps)

23. Lagi Tuima (Harlequins, 8 caps)

Aldcroft named at flanker for England's opening autumn international

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