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Kildunne starts as England make 13 changes for Wales


Women's Six Nations: Wales v England

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 29 March Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC Two, iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app; listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

England head coach John Mitchell has made 13 changes to his starting XV to face Wales in Saturday's Women's Six Nations game at Principality Stadium.

World player of the year Ellie Kildunne, who came off the bench in the Red Roses' opening-round victory over Italy in York, starts at full-back for her 50th cap.

The 25-year-old is joined by Abby Dow and Jess Breach on the wings, with Mitchell reinstating a back three that scored a combined 18 tries in last year's Six Nations.

Trailfinders' Dow returns for the first time since breaking her hand earlier this year.

Captain Zoe Aldcroft, who starts at blindside flanker, and Exeter Chiefs number eight Maddie Feaunati are the two players to retain their places.

"Ellie [Kildunne] is who all young girls are looking up to at the moment as she is such an exciting player," England forwards coach Louis Deacon told BBC Sport.

"To achieve 50 caps for the Red Roses is an outstanding achievement but she has so many more games to come."

Olympian Abi Burton, who nearly lost her life in 2022, is set to make her England debut from the bench.

The 25-year-old back row spent 25 days in an induced coma after being diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis, which occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the brain.





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