Women's Six Nations: Emily Scarratt captains England for France Grand Slam

Emily Scarratt earned her 100th cap in England’s win against Ireland in match four of this year’s tournament Emily Scarratt will captain England in the absence of the injured Sarah Hunter and Poppy Cleall is set to start at number eight for Saturday’s

Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam decider in France. Cleall went off injured in the win over Ireland and faces more fitness tests. The returning Sarah Beckett and Sadia Kabeya are two of six forwards named on the bench, with England anticipating an intense physical battle. Alex Matthews earns her 50th cap as the Red Roses seek a fourth straight title. Cleall has had scans since sustaining her calf injury last Sunday and head coach Simon Middleton said “we’re expecting Poppy to be fit” for Saturday. “She’ll go through some more tests,” Middleton continued.

“Everything’s in place if she does break down prior to the game or during the game but we don’t anticipate that being the case.” England’s last defeat by France came in the 2018 Six Nations, when they were beaten 18-17 in Grenoble. Another tight and exciting game is expected, with England winning their last three meetings by four points or fewer. (Agencies)