Meg Jones named in England starting line-up for World Cup final

Jones during a group game against Italy. Credit: PA

Bristol back Megan Jones has been called into the England team for Saturday's World Cup final against New Zealand in Belfast.

Jones will line up alongside Rachel Burford in midfield, with Emily Scarratt moved from centre to full-back as replacement for Danielle Waterman, who suffered concussion during England's semi-final victory over France three days ago.

England head coach Simon Middleton has otherwise retained the starting XV that accounted for France, with Amy Wilson Hardy moving on to the replacements' bench instead of Jones.

Jones claimed England's second touchdown against France, while she earlier made a try-saving tackle after going on for Waterman during the first half.

Middleton said: "Our goal was to get to this point in the tournament, using the full breadth of the squad and rotating players to ensure we were in the best possible position to peak on Saturday.

"The strength in depth of this squad and the quality across all 28 players has meant we have been able to do just that.

"We have full confidence in this squad.

"As a group, they have consistently delivered quality performances throughout the tournament. It's now about finishing the job and leaving nothing out on the field, come Saturday."

Victory for England over the Black Ferns would see them retain the World Cup, having toppled Canada to win it in Paris three years ago. There are eight survivors in England's starting line-up from that game.

Team: E Scarratt (Lichfield); L Thompson (Worcester), M Jones (Bristol), R Burford (Harlequins), K Wilson (Richmond); K Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park), N Hunt (Lichfield); V Cornborough (Harlequins), A Cokayne (Lichfield), S Bern (Bristol), A Scott (Darlington Mowden Park), T Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park), A Matthews (Richmond), M Packer (Bristol), S Hunter (Bristol, capt).

Replacements: V Fleetwood (Saracens), R Clark (Worcester), J Lucas (Lichfield), H Millar-Mills (Lichfield), I Noel-Smith (Bristol), L Mason (Darlington Mowden Park), A Reed (Bristol), A Wilson Hardy (Bristol).

Don't forget you can watch the Women's Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and England live on ITV or the ITV Hub from 7:15pm on Saturday.