Gloucester-Hartpury chasing three-peat in PWR Final
Today at 11:47 AM
PWR FINAL PREVIEW: Lottie Sharp is relishing the chance to play Sunday's PWR Final against Gloucester Hartpury in front of a home crowd at Allianz Stadium.
The Saracens' co-captain was part of the side that beat London rivals Harlequins 32-24 in an enthralling semifinal and the winger has her sights set on stopping the West Country outfit from winning an unprecedented hat-trick of PWR titles and winning a first crown since 2022 in front of her loved ones.
This will be the first time the two teams have met in the Final of PWR.
"I'm really excited for the final this weekend," she said speaking ahead of the final. "It is a huge occasion for the team after a tough season.
"Having a final at home is such a brilliant opportunity to have so many friends, family and Sarries supporters there cheering us on.
"It is going to be a great contest in front of a great home crowd."
Saracens director of rugby Alex Austerberry has made a change to his victorious semifinal side from two weeks ago with Gabrielle Senft coming in for Louise McMillan, who drops to the bench and Georgia Evans moving into the second row.
Akina Gondwe and Kelsey Clifford retain their places at loose-head and tight-head props respectively with May Campbell at hooker.
Georgia Evans will take up lock duty next to Rosie Galligan while Canadian Gabrielle Senft, who bagged a brace the last time Gloucester Hartpury visited the StoneX, coming in at blindside flanker.
The rest of the back row is made up of co-captain Marlie Packer at openside flanker and Poppy Cleall rounding at No.8.
The backs remain unchanged with England internationals Ella Wyrwas and Zoe Harrison continuing their 9-10 partnership.
Sophie Bridger, who spent two years at Gloucester Hartpury and won the 2023 PWR Final, takes her place at inside centre, with Emma Hardy partnering her at 13.
Sharp will feature on the left of the back three as semifinal scorers Alysha Corrigan and Jess Breach completing the starting 15.
Meanwhile, outgoing boss Sean Lynn believes his side are peaking at just the right time as he names the same starting 15 that beat Bristol Bears 36-20 in his last home game at Queensholm – a moment he holds close to his heart.
[rp-mc-game id="340|944281|2025"][/rp-mc-game]
"It is so important that you treasure these moments and treasure everything that you have been doing," he said. "The last fixture I had in charge of GH at home in front of 7000 people was really special.
"I am really cherishing these moments and very excited going to Saracens.
"Everybody always talks about how important momentum is and I would say we are building that momentum since getting that good win against Exeter at Christmas.
"The energy you will see from us this weekend will be amazing, and it is just about us making sure we can control it.
"[A third title] would mean a lot to everyone. Everybody has worked so hard, and I just hope we can finish it off."
El Perry and Maud Muir will start either side of Neve Jones in the front row as co-captain Zoe Aldcroft and Sarah Beckett take their places at lock.
The back of the defending champions pack features Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis and Alex Matthews while other co-captain Natasha 'Mo' Hunt starts at scrumhalf.
Lleucu George fills the flyhalf role with Tatyana Heard and Hannah Jones in midfield.
Pip Hendy and Mia Venner take their places on the wings and Emma Sing starts at fullback.
The only change Lynn has made sees Ellie Green earn a place on the bench, replacing Millie Hyett, while Kathryn Buggy is set to make her final appearance for the Cherry & Whites as a replacement.
Saracens v Gloucester Hartpury
Teams:
Saracens: 15 Jess Breach, 14 Alysha Corrigan, 13 Emma Hardy, 12 Sophie Bridger, 11 Lotte Sharp (co-captain), 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Ella Wyrwas, 8 Poppy Cleall, 7 Marlie Packer (co-captain), 6 Gabrielle Senft, 5 Georgia Evans, 4 Rosie Galligan, 3 Kelsey Clifford, 2 May Campbell, 1 Akina Gondwe
Replacements: 16 Bryony Field, 17 McKinley Hunt, 18 Carmen Tremelling, 19 Bryony Cleall, 20 Louise McMillan, 21 Tori Sellors, 22 Sarah McKenna, 23 Sydney Gregson
Gloucester Hartpury: 15 Emma Sing, 14 Mia Venner, 13 Hannah Jones, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Pip Hendy, 10 Lleucu George, 9 Natasha 'Mo' Hunt (co-captain), 8 Alex Matthews, 7 Bethan Lewis, 6 Kate Williams, 5 Zoe Aldcroft (co-captain), 4 Sarah Beckett, 3 Maud Muir, 2 Neve Jones, 1 El Perry
Replacements: 16 Gillian Boag, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Kathryn Buggy, 19 Steph Else, 20 Georgia Brock, 21 Meg Davies, 22 Ellie Green, 23 Rachel Lund
Date: Sunday, March 16
Venue: Allianz Park, England
Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Joe James
Assistant Referees: Alex Thomas and Calum Howard
TMO: Dan Jones
Source @thepwr
