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Wing Westcombe-Evans starts WXV1 decider against Canada

Bo Westcombe-Evans tackling the United States' full-back
Bo Westcombe-Evans started England's opening WXV1 game against the United States [Getty Images]

WXV - Canada v England

Venue: BC Place, Vancouver Date: Sunday, 13 October Kick-off: 03:00 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer

England wing Bo Westcombe-Evans will make her second international start in Sunday's WXV1 decider against Canada in Vancouver.

Regular starting wing Abby Dow, who scored two tries in last weekend's victory over New Zealand, is unavailable after a head knock.

Lock Rosie Galligan and flanker Maddie Feaunati are the other two changes to the starting XV that defeated the world champions.

Westcombe-Evans, 22, scored on her debut in England's opening WXV1 victory against the United States, before being replaced by Dow for the Black Ferns game.

"Bo has been really impressive in the past 10 weeks," Red Roses head coach Mitchell said.

"She has a similar physical attribute to Abby [Dow] and Jess [Breach] in the fact she has got a good outside break and fend.

"She's a young woman developing her game and is surrounded by fantastic team-mates. It is a great opportunity for her and part of her development."

Centre Helena Rowland retains her spot at outside centre, with Holly Aitchison favoured at fly-half over Zoe Harrison.

After starting against New Zealand, lock Abbie Ward and flanker Morwenna Talling drop to the bench.

The WXV1 hosts comfortably defeated France and Ireland in their opening two games and, like Mitchell's side, remain undefeated - meaning the winner on Sunday will clinch the title.

Kevin Rouet's team have won six straight Tests, their longest streak of victories since 2022, when defeat by the Red Roses at the World Cup semi-finals ended their eight-match winning run.

England lifted 2023's inaugural WXV1 title, and with victory over the world number two-ranked side will extend their winning run to 20 games going into next year's home Rugby World Cup.

"It is not about retaining the WXV title - instead we want to go out there and win it," England captain Marlie Packer added.

"It is about our own performance and it is on us to make that happen.

"This is a new competition, but it doesn't take away from the fact of wanting to win it and lift that trophy. It may not have the historic memories [of the Six Nations], but hopefully it will soon."

Line-up

England: Kildunne; Westcombe-Evans, Rowland, Heard, Breach; Aitchison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Aldcroft, Galligan, Feaunati, M Packer (capt), Matthews.

Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Carson, Bern, Ward, Talling, L Packer, Harrison, Scarratt.