GEORGIA ROCHE has been recalled as starting halfback for England’s decisive match with Samoa on Friday.
After using Roche as his interchange hooker in the 78-0 defeat to Australia, coach Stuart Barrow has reverted to the combination used in the World Cup opener against Wales.
Isabel Rowe maintains her spot while Jenna Foubister is dropped to 18th woman.
England are without Eva Hunter, who suffered a leg injury against the Jillaroos.
As a result, Hollie-Mae Dodd has shifted from front to back row, with Mary Coleman coming back in at prop.
The other change to the starting line-up sees Georgia Wilson return at centre for Molly Jones.
Hope Millard has been restored to the bench, where Jodie Cunningham will begin for a third straight game after the captain received stitches on an ear laceration.
It’s a straight fight in Wollongong for a spot in the semi-finals, with Samoa also having lost to Australia and beaten Wales.
They have suffered a blow, however, with forward Amber Hall ruled out following her player-of-the-match performance off the bench against the Welsh.
Jaydika Tafua takes her interchange spot in Samoa’s only change.
England: 1 Fran Goldthorp, 2 Anna Davies, 3 Georgia Wilson, 4 Connie Boyd, 5 Amelia Brown, 6 Isabel Rowe, 7 Georgia Roche, 8 Mary Coleman, 9 Keara Bennett, 10 Liv Wood, 11 Lucy Murray, 12 Hollie-Mae Dodd, 13 Megan Williams. Subs: 14 Jodie Cunningham, 15 Vicky Whitfield, 16 Hope Millard, 17 Lucie Sams. 18th woman: 18 Jenna Foubister. Reserves: 19 Ruby Bruce, 20 Evie Cousins, 21 Molly Jones.
Samoa: 1 Destiny Mino-Sinapati, 2 Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, 3 Monica Tagoai, 4 Tyra Ekepati, 5 Freedom Crichton Ropati, 6 Evania Isa’ako, 7 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, 8 Annetta-Cluadia Nu’uausala, 9 Mary-Jane Taito, 10 Laikha Clarke, 11 Leilani Wilson, 12 Ivana Lolesio, 13 Tavarna Papalii. Subs: 14 Jetaya Faifua, 15 Fanua Rimoni, 16 Jaydika Tafua, 17 Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa. 18th woman: 18 Jasmine Fogavini. Reserves: 19 Christian Pio, 20 Evelyn Roberts, 21 Anastasia Leatupue, 22 Amanii Misa.
