Reed set for 50th cap as Bears trio face USA

Reed is joined in the matchday squad by Bears teammate, Sarah Bern, who starts in the front row, while hooker Clara Nielson is set for her England debut from the bench.

“We’ve had a good acclimatisation period and we are happy that we managed to get the volume of rugby we had hoped under our belt going into this first game,” said head coach, Simon Middleton.

“I think we’ll find, like all of the teams, performances should improve as you go through the tournament as both the individuals and the teams settle into a rhythm.

"For us there are quite a few new combinations and less experienced players in this team, so we’ve got to understand it will not be the finished article. Having said that, we have a level of expectation against all of our performances and the players know exactly what is expected of them.

"We performed well against the USA in the November Quilter internationals, but we recognise this is a different time and place. We’re in a country that is incredibly passionate about their sport and so we expect a step up in performance from the USA. Our challenge first and foremost will be to better the energy and intensity they bring.

“It’s thoroughly deserved for Clara and Chloe. You talk about players taking their opportunities and they epitomise that - they came in initially to support the squad and made a massive impression with the coaches, not just with their ability but just as much with their attitude.”

On Reed reaching a half century of caps, Middleton added: “She is one of the most gifted and all-round talented players we’ve got. She’s a great person to have around as she’s very calm, has a great rugby brain, she understands the game and knows how to deliver on-field performances and get the critical messages across - she knows how to get the best out of the players around her.”

The Super Series brings together the top five ranked sides in the world where as well as taking on the USA, England will face Canada, France and New Zealand.

The Red Roses last faced USA in November 2018 at Allianz Park where they ran in nine tries in an impressive 57-5 victory over the Eagles.

England Women

15. Sarah McKenna (Saracens Women – 22 caps)
14. Lydia Thompson (Worcester Valkyries – 40 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning – 78 caps)
12. Amber Reed (Bristol Bears Women – 49 caps)
11. Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury Women – 9 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women – 13 caps)
9. Claudia Macdonald (Wasps FC Ladies – 4 caps)

1. Ellena Perry (Saracens Women – 3 caps)
2. Heather Kerr (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks – 16 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears Women – 25 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury Women – 9 caps)
5. Abbie Scott (capt) (Harlequins Ladies – 36 caps)
6. Jo Brown (Loughborough Lightning – 5 caps)
7. Marlie Packer (Saracens Women – 65 caps)
8. Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women – 29 caps)

Finishers 

16. Clara Nielson (Bristol Bears Women)
17. Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women – 10 caps)
18. Chloe Edwards (Harlequins Ladies)
19. Catherine O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning – 12 caps)
20. Sarah Beckett (Firwood Waterloo Ladies – 6 caps)
21. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury Women – 46 caps)
22. Millie Wood (Gloucester-Hartpury Women – 4 caps)
23. Carys Williams (Loughborough Lightening – 4 caps)

England’s Super Series 2019 fixtures

England v USA - Friday 28 June (Sky Sports Mix – KO 13:00 PDT/21:00 BST)
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center

England v Canada - Saturday 6 July/Sunday 7 July (Sky Sports Action, Mix and Main Event – KO 17:15 PDT/01:15 BST)
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center

England v France - Wednesday 10 July (Sky Sports Action, Mix and Main Event – KO 14:00 PDT/22:00 BST)
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center

England v New Zealand - Sunday 14 July (Sky Sports Action and Main Event – KO 13:00 PDT/21:00 BST)
San Diego State University’s Torero Stadium