Red Roses side to play the USA in the opening WXV fixture
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Alex Matthews will captain her country for the first time when the Red Roses take on USA in their WXV 1 opener at BC Place on Sunday 29 September (KO 8.30 pm BST).
The No 8, who is set for her 70th cap, leads a starting XV which contains two international debutants in Bristol Bears centre Phoebe Murray and Loughborough Lightning wing Bo Westcombe-Evans.
Flanker Georgia Brock starts for the first time after debuting against the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium.
Attack coach Lou Meadows said: “We have been building on our game for the past eight weeks towards our WXV opener against USA. This group of girls is excited for their opportunity to attack the tournament right from the start. We understand our reality and just want to get playing.”