back row

France, who last defeated England in 2018, have made two changes in their back row as open-side flanker Lea Champon comes in for a first start this championship and Charlotte Escudero returns at blind-side flanker.

To accommodate Malcolm taking her usual place in the back row, Jade Konkel moves into the second row, her third different starting position of the tournament.

Maddie Feaunati's switch to number eight has been a huge success this campaign and with World Cup winner Alex Matthews now back up to speed, even a back row bench spot is hugely competitive.

Feaunati drops to the bench meaning there is no space for former captain Marlie Packer in the matchday squad for the second game running, as Sadia Kabeya retains her spot at open-side flanker, indicating the fearsome level of competition in the back row.

Last year's World Rugby women's player of the year nominee Matthews, 31, missed the opening two rounds through suspension and is joined by captain Zoe Aldcroft and Sadia Kabeya in the back row.