Hometown farewell for England captain Hunter

While most of the build-up around today’s match has focused on the swansong of England’s captain, Sarah Hunter, in her home city, the reigning champions have a new-look core due to injury and absence. Scotland, meanwhile, who finished bottom of the table in 2022, are now recently professional although their head coach, Bryan Easson, says: “Undoubtedly, professionalism makes a massive difference. Clearly as coaches we want to see the performances grow in the field. That doesn’t happen overnight.” England, who won 57-5 in last season’s match on their way to a grand slam, give Holly Aitchison a run at fly-half after long-term injuries to Zoe Harrison and Helena Rowland, while Lucy Packer starts inside her at No 9.