England have rejigged their first-choice backline for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Australia, with Tatyana Heard retaining her place in midfield and the versatile Helena Rowland switching to full-back. Sarah Hunter, the captain, is set to play her 138th Test and become the most capped player in her country’s history.
Heard was the player of the match on her World Cup debut against South Africa last weekend, prompting Simon Middleton to reshape his three-quarter line around the Gloucester-Hartpury centre. Rowland’s move to the 15 jersey has nudged Ellie Kildunne on to the bench, with Abby Dow and Lydia Thompson completing the back three. The fit-again hooker Lark Davies is among the replacements.
