Sunday, 31st October is the battle of the best 2 teams in the world of women's rugby right now. Who will come out on top? Who will fall behind and who will reign victorious? Only time will tell...
Until then, I've done my research on the teams, the style of play, and the threat that each one poses to one another. But, before we get into that, we have to look into the stadium of play: Sandy Park, Exeter.
Sandy Park has hosted a couple of international games, including the six nations sell-out game, England vs Italy. They also hosted an Autumn nations fixture, England vs France back in late 2019.
Here's what Exeter Chiefs chairman, Tony Rowe OBE, has to say about the game: "As a club, we are delighted to be welcoming the Red Roses back to Devon again this season. As we have seen over the years, including creating a record-breaking crowd here at Sandy Park back in 2019, plus the creation of our own women's team into the Premier 15s, there is a real hunger and passion for the women's game here in the region."
Now, onto the team selections. First up: England. Middleton has chosen a selection of players based on their performances in the Premier 15s, and therefore there are some huge names in the squad, but also some names that people may not recognise.
Red Rose, Emily Scarratt, misses out on selection after a nasty leg break very early on in the season. However, Loughborough Lightning team mate, Sarah Hunter, has been recalled to the squad after recovering from a previous injury.
North Devon's own, Emma Sing, has been called up to the England squad after some absolutely amazing performances for Gloucester-Hartpury!
Check out the full squad here:
Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, the Black Ferns have selected a side which has ambition and intent to win.
Huge names such as Portia Woodman, Chelsea Alley and Les Elder have been included in this Autumn Northern tour.
Look at the full squad here:
As seen from the team selections, it's bound to be a good game. I'm so lucky to be able to go and watch it in person. Who knows who will win?
I'll keep posting updates on my socials - @ashleigh.rugby on Insta and Ashleigh's Rugby Page on Facebook.
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