Wasps prop Claire Purdy returns to the starting line-up for her first game since September’s Rugby World Cup final, while Emma Croker starts at hooker with Rochelle Clark moving to tight-head.

Rowena Burnfield and Heather Fisher also come into the starting line-up and Street has called for an improved performance against the Italians on Saturday.

“Italy are an ever improving side and they had a good result against Ireland last weekend, staying close at half time. They are always a tough gritty side and that is why we must make the step up on Saturday," he said.  

"I am looking for a real improvement, including in our attacking game and the quality of ball from the breakdown.

“As always we want to give our squad as much game time as possible and this is an opportunity for us to do that.

"We have a strong squad, but we need to give them time on the pitch to prove what they can do. I am also pleased that we can welcome back Claire Purdy as she is raring to go.”

England
15 – Danielle Waterman (Worcester)
14 – Katherine Merchant (Worcester)
13 - Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
12 - Kimberley Oliver (Bristol)
11 - Francesca Matthews (Richmond)
10 - Katy McLean (C) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
9 - La Toya Mason (Wasps)
1 – Claire Purdy (Wasps)
2 - Emma Croker (Richmond)
3 - Rochelle Clark (Worcester)
4 - Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps)
5 - Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)
6 – Heather Fisher (Worcester)
7 - Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens)
8 – Sarah Hunter (Lichfield)
Replacements:
16 – Amy Garnett (Saracens)
17 - Sophie Hemming (Bristol)
18 - Rebecca Essex (Richmond)
19 – Catherine Spencer (Bristol)
20 – Georgina Rozario (Lichfield)
21 – Rachael Burford (Richmond)
22 – Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)