England’s Red Roses are facing significant challenges as they gear up for their Round 2 match against Scotland in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations at Murrayfield. This comes after a series of injuries have severely impacted the team’s selection.
Injury Updates Before the Scotland Match
The Red Roses will be without two crucial players, front-row duo Hannah Botterman and May Campbell. Botterman is set to undergo a second surgery on an ankle injury that she sustained during the previous season with Bristol Bears. Meanwhile, Campbell is scheduled for knee surgery next week.
The situation worsens for head coach John Mitchell, as 82-cap back-row forward Alex Matthews is also ruled out due to a shoulder injury incurred during England’s 33-12 victory over Ireland at Allianz Stadium, which had attracted a record crowd for the tournament.
Additional Injury Concerns
This injury crisis extends beyond just these key players. Prior to the Women’s Six Nations, senior lock forwards Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Rosie Galligan have all announced their pregnancies. Additionally, Morwenna Talling suffered a long-term injury in the match against Ireland.
Squad Adjustments
- Hannah Botterman: Out due to ankle surgery
- May Campbell: Out due to knee surgery
- Alex Matthews: Out due to shoulder injury
- Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan: Pregnant
- Morwenna Talling: Long-term injury
In light of these absences, Mitchell indicated that the team may need to deploy back-row forwards as locks, given the limited options available for selection. He expressed determination to adapt, saying, “We’ll probably be a team of back-rowers by the end of the competition. We’ll just have to grow somebody else.”
To address the current squad shortages, Bristol Bears lock Delaney Burns and Saracens prop Liz Crake have joined the team as injury replacements. Burns has earned three caps for England, all in 2023, while Crake has two caps and has scored three tries in the ongoing Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
As the Red Roses prepare for this vital encounter against Scotland, they remain resilient despite their injury woes, showcasing the depth and adaptability of their squad.
