England Women’s skipper Katy McLean says she wants to relive the memories of England’s last victory at Twickenham this Sunday when England take on Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations, kick off 5.15pm. McLean was a member of the team that defeated reigning world champions New Zealand for the first time in eight years back in 2009. And the fly-half, who kicked a conversion and a crucial second half drop goal in that match, wants more of the same this Sunday.
“The last time we played at Twickenham was without a doubt one of my best ever rugby moments,” said the Darlington Mowden Park Sharks player. “The occasion, the crowd and the support was absolutely amazing and I will never forget it. Beating the world champions was a very special occasion and it would be great if we can have another memorable experience just like that at Twickenham this Sunday.”
While England top the Six Nations table and their rivals Scotland languish at the bottom having failed to secure a win this season, McLean is by no means underestimating the potential threat from their Six Nations rivals.
She added: “England versus Scotland is always a very good game, especially because of the history between the two sides, and I expect that this game won’t be any different. Scotland have always had a strong pack and pace in their backs and I’m sure this is something they will want to use against us. They have a young squad who will be wanting to prove a point against us. I don’t think you can read too much into previous Six Nations result, they have obviously got better as the tournament has gone on and I’m sure they will be really up for our game especially with it being at Twickenham.”
England too have some work to do if they are to secure a record breaking sixth consecutive title. Only two games now stand in the way of McLean and her teammates lifting European rugby’s most prestigious prize.
“Beating France two weeks ago was the most important thing, not necessarily the performance. We knew that we had to get a win and that’s what we did. If you had asked me would I take 16-3 win before the game then I would have taken it with a smile.
“Obviously we wanted to play better but that’s something we can work on. Our aim coming into this tournament was to retain the title and we are on track to do that. No one remembers how you do it.”
The gates to Twickenham Stadium open for free public access following the men’s Calcutta Cup clash. The match will also be shown live on the BBC Red Button (excluding freeview) and the BBC Sport website.
England
15 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester)
13 Rachael Burford (Richmond)
12 Kimberley Oliver (Bristol)
11 Francesca Matthews (Richmond)
10 Katy Mclean (C) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
9 La Toya Mason (Wasps)
1 Rochelle Clark (Worcester)
2 Amy Garnett (Saracens)
3 Sophie Hemming (Bristol)
4 Rebecca Essex(Richmond)
5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps)
6 SarahHunter (Lichfield)
7 Heather Fisher(Worcester)
8 Catherine Spencer (Bristol)
Replacements:
16 Emma Croker (Richmond)
17 ClairePurdy(Wasps)
18 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)
19 Margaret Alphonsi (vc) (Saracens)
20 Georgina Rozario (Lichfield)
21 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
22 Danielle Waterman (Worcester)
England’s RBS 6 Nations Fixtures
Wales v England Feb 6 Cross Keys RFC WON 0-19
England v Italy Feb 12 Esher RFC WON 68-5
*England v France Feb 27 Worcester RFC WON 16-3
** England v Scotland March 13 Twickenham Stadium KO 515pm
Ireland v England March 18 Ashbourne RFC KO 730pm
* Live on Sky Sports
**Free entry to Twickenham Stadium after men’s Calcutta Cup clash & live on BBC Red Button (not inc. Freeview) and the BBC Sport website.