Daley-McLean backs Harrison

KATY Daley-McLean is backing Zoe Harrison over Holly Aitchison in John Mitchell’s fly-half conundrum due to the Saracens 10’s formidable goal kicking, which she feels will give England an edge during tight knockout matches in next year’s World Cup.

- BEN JAYCOCK

Former fly-half Daley-McLean won 116 England caps from 2007-20, scoring 542 points. She knows what it takes to guide her country to World Cup glory, given her phenomenal performance as captain in the 2014 final – the last time the Red Roses reached the summit of international rugby.

Aitchison started two of the three WXV outings during England’s successful title defence – finished off with a 21-12 victory against Canada last Sunday – with Mitchell preferring the Bristol 10’s expansive style of play.

But with pressure intensifying ahead of the home World Cup, Daley-McLean feels more comfortable with Harrison at the helm.

She told The Rugby Paper: “It’s great that we’re now having this debate. Previously it was Zoe’s shirt but Holly returned from sevens and found her feet. It depends on how England want to play. If you want a real running game, with a fly-half playing flat and attacking to the line, then you put Holly in there. If you want somebody who’s going to be more of a tactician, kicking corners, give you a bit more of a territory-based game, then I’d put Zoe in. They’re very different.