Liz Crake, a dentist and lecturer, has earned a spot on the bench for England’s grand slam decider against France on Sunday after Kelsey Clifford was sidelined due to injury.

With only two caps to her name, Crake was called up following Hannah Botterman’s withdrawal from the entire Six Nations due to an ankle injury. Mackenzie Carson will start as loosehead prop, as second-choice Clifford picked up a leg injury during the match against Italy last weekend. John Mitchell, the head coach, noted that he has had to make 20 player changes throughout the tournament due to injuries and other circumstances.

At 31 years old, Crake had a contract with England for the upcoming 2024-25 season but has returned to her dental career for this campaign. She is not alone in balancing professions; Christiana Balogun, a recruitment consultant, also came off the bench against Italy due to an injury to Maddie Feaunati.

The Rugby Football Union currently provides 32 full-time contracts for Red Roses players. Those without contracts receive compensation for their time in camp and matchday fees.

Meg Jones, the team captain, praised the resilience of players like Crake and Balogun, stating, "They understand when you come in, you’re switched on and this is the game at hand."

Before the critical match against France, England welcomed back Sadia Kabeya, Lilli Ives Campion, and Feaunati from injuries. Kabeya will start at openside flanker, while Marlie Packer, the tournament’s top try scorer with seven tries, is set to come off the bench. The lineup also sees Jess Breach and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald return as the wing pairing, with Ellie Kildunne moving to full-back.