Richmond’s Fiona Pocock makes her first England start at full-back in Sunday’s RBS Six Nations clash with Ireland at Esher (3pm).

Head coach Gary Street, whose side has won two matches out of two, has also brought back Amy Turner from injury. She wins her first cap since England’s win over world champions New Zealand in November.

Sophie Hemming, Joanna McGilchrist, Margaret Alphonsi, Katy McLean and Katherine Merchant all return to the starting line-up.

Richmond’s Alice Richardson moves from fly-half to centre.

Street said: “Fiona Pocock will make her first start for England at fullback. She is a regular for Richmond in that position and I have been really impressed with the way she has played for her club this season. With three great backs it is another exciting combination to try out before the world cup."

England head into Sunday's game without conceding a single point in the tournament, but Street knows that record will be hard to keep against a spirited Irish outfit.

He added: "We have worked really hard on our defence this season and that has paid off - we have only conceded one try in eight hours of play which is a good record. Ireland, however, will be very competitive. I know they fancy their chances against us and they will come over here expecting to win. They are very competitive up front and have some good backs so we must ensure that we are on top of our game this Sunday."

The 2010 Women's Rugby World Cup kicks off on August 20th at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford, with the semi finals and final being held at the Stoop in September. Tickets for the WRWC will be available from Ticketmaster from March 22nd.

England 15 Fiona Pocock Richmond 14 Katherine Merchant Worcester 13 Emily Scarratt Lichfield 12 Alice Richardson Richmond 11 Michaela Staniford Wasps 10 Katy Mclean (VC) Darlington Mowden Park Sharks 9 La Toya Mason Wasps 1 Rochelle Clark Team Northumbria 2 Amy Garnett Saracens 3 Sophie Hemming Bristol 4 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks 5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps 6 Heather Fisher Worcester 7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens 8 Catherine Spencer (C) Bristol Replacements: 16 Samantha Reeve Worcester 17 Claire Purdy Wasps 18 Rebecca Essex Richmond 19 Jane Leonard Lichfield / Army 20 Amy Turner Richmond 21 Rachael Burford Richmond 22 Claire Allan Richmond