Vice-captain Zoe Aldcroft – usually a lock – will start at No.8 for the first time following Sarah Hunter’s retirement. With Poppy Cleall injured, Cath O’Donnell starts at lock, while Harlequins flanker Emily Robinson, 22, could make her debut off the bench.
Flanker Marlie Packer is captain and head coach Simon Middleton said she “will want to stamp her own brand of leadership on the team”.
“Delaney Burns has impressed us immensely,” Middleton added. “Her lineout and set-piece understanding is strong and she deserves her start.
“Giovanni Raineri and his staff will have their Italy team well prepared for this Six Nations, and that was reflected in their strong opening performance.”
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