Westcombe-Evans & Murray to win first caps against USA

WXV - United States v England

Venue: BC Place, Vancouver Date: Sunday, 29 September Kick-off: 20:30 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer

Phoebe Murray and Bo Westcombe-Evans will win their first caps as part of a new-look backline as England take on the United States in their WXV opener on Sunday.

Murray forms a midfield partnership with Emily Scarratt, while Loughborough Lightning wing Westcombe-Evans makes her Test debut in place of Abby Dow.

After coming off the bench in a 24-12 win over New Zealand earlier this month, flanker Georgia Brock makes her first England start.

Zoe Harrison comes in for Holly Aitchison at fly-half, with the Bristol Bears playmaker dropping to the bench.

England, who won the inaugural staging of the tournament last year, will play New Zealand and Canada to conclude their campaign.

Number eight Alex Matthews will captain England for the first time, making her 70th appearance for her country, while second row Rosie Galligan returns after thumb and leg injuries had kept her sidelined since the Six Nations.

England: Kildunne; Westcombe-Evans, Scarratt, Murray, Breach; Harrison, Packer; Carson, Atkin-Davies, Bern, Galligan, Ward, Talling, Brock, Matthews (capt).

Replacements: Cokayne, Clifford, Muir, Aldcroft, Feaunati, Wyrwas, Aitchison, Rowland.

"We have been building on our game for the past eight weeks towards our WXV opener against USA," said attack coach Lou Meadows.

"This group of girls are excited for their opportunity to attack the tournament right from the start for the Red Roses this Sunday. We understand our reality and just want to get playing."