England women overhaul team for second test

England women's coach Geoff Richards has completely overhauled his side to play New Zealand in the second test at Hamilton tomorrow.

There are 11 changes to the starting side who failed to shine in Saturday's 33-8 first test loss to the Black Ferns at Eden Park. Two new players have also come onto the reserve bench.

Only prop Vanessa Gray, halfbacks Jo Yapp and Karen Andrew and wing Kim Shaylor remain in the starting line-up.

Richards was confident his team could improve considerably on their first test performance.

"The squad certainly didn't play to their potential but with the introduction of fresh personnel I'm hoping this tour can end on a winning note," he said.

"A good result would add to our impressive wins against Samoa and the New Zealand Invitational 15 and the squad would return home confident that the World Cup next year is within their grasp.

"This tour has always been about finding out where we are in comparison to New Zealand. We didn't do well in the first test but now a lot more players have the chance to prove that they can front up under intense pressure."

Team:
Vicky Massarella (Saracens), Danielle Waterman (Henley), Sue Day (Wasps), Amy Turner (Wasps), Kim Shaylor (Worcester), Karen Andrew (Saracens), Jo Yapp (Worcester, captain), Karen Jones (Wasps), Maggie Alphonsi (Saracens), Georgia Stevens (Clifton), Rachael Vickers (Richmond), Catherine Spencer (Folkestone), Vanessa Gray (Wasps), Amy Garnett (Saracens), Vanessa Huxford (Wasps).

Reserves:
Selena Rudge (Wasps), Rochelle Clarke (Henley), Tamara Taylor (Thirsk), Shannon Baker (Richmond), Alice Richardson (Worcester), Charlotte Barras (Lichfield), Nicky Crawford (Worcester)

- NZPA