England warned to ‘expect the unexpected’ from Italy in Six Nations

There are currently three distinct tiers within women’s rugby at the elite level. The largest cluster consists of teams composed of amateurs and semi-professionals battling for survival and recognition. There is a much smaller pool that includes New Zealand, France and, most recently, Wales, who have a smattering of full-time rugby players in their ranks with many relying on short-term retainers.

Away in the distance, all on their own, is England. Their coach, Simon Middleton, can select from 29 players who have no other professional obligation other than winning rugby matches. They have won their last 19 in a row, an unprecedented streak that is in little danger of ending this Sunday against Italy in Parma. Underlining the riches at his disposal, Middleton has made 11 changes to the XV that swept Scotland 57-5 in Edinburgh last weekend without sacrificing on the quality of his team.

Natasha Hunt starts at scrum-half, earning her 56th cap after a 16-month absence. “She’s been walking around with a big smile on her face,” Middleton says. “She’s buzzing. We’re just really thrilled to see her play again.”

The full-back Ellie Kildunne is the only member of the backline who keeps her place from the Scotland game. Helena Rowland shifts to inside-centre having been nudged out by Zoe Harrison who comes in at 10. Emily Scarratt drops to the bench and is replaced by Holly Aitchison at outside-centre.

Poppy Cleall will captain from her preferred position at No 8, with Sarah Hunter named among the replacements. The Harlequins duo Shaunagh Brown and Vickii Cornborough prop up the front row with the teenager Sadia Kabeya starting for the first time this year at openside flanker.

Eight of England’s match-day 23 have yet to lose in an