ENGLAND have named an experimental side for Sunday’s Women’s Six Nations opener against Italy in York with Lilli Ives Campion and Mia Venner given full debuts.

There are only seven survivors from the side that beat Canada 21-12 to finish top of WXV1 in October, six of them in a pack that sees Ives Campion picked in the second row as one of two new faces alongside prop Kelsey Clifford.

Red Roses captain Zoe Aldcroft moves from lock to blindside flanker to accommodate Ives Campion’s first start with Marlie Packer and Maddie Feaunati completing the back row.

Venner fills the right wing for the York Community Stadium showdown as part of a back three that includes Claudia MacDonald and Emma Sing, who make their first Test appearances for 16 months.

Holly Aitchison was in action against Canada five months ago but she moves from fly-half to inside centre for the visit of Italy with Lucy Packer and Helena Rowland the starting half-backs.

Centre Jade Shekells, who played for Team GB in the sevens at last year’s Olympics, and scrum-half Flo Robinson will make their debuts if they feature off the bench.

Reigning women’s world player of the year Ellie Kildunne is included among the replacements.