Easson has named a settled team for this weekend’s match, with 13 of the starting line-up retaining their place from Scotland’s last game against USA in August.

The front-row sees hooker Lana Skeldon pack down alongside Molly Wright and Christine Belisle, while Emma Wassell links up with Sarah Bonar in the second-row.

Number 8 Jade Konkel anchors a formidable back-row with captain Rachel Malcolm and Louise McMillan.

Vice-captain Helen Nelson forms a half-back partnership with Caity Mattinson, while Hannah Smith partners Lisa Thomson in the midfield.

The back-three sees Chloe Rollie at full-back, with Megan Gaffney and Rhona Lloyd lining up on the wing.

Easson said: “Firstly, we are all just excited to get underway here in Whangarei. When the players take to the pitch on Sunday, it will mark a moment that has been 12 years in the making for Scotland Women so it will be incredibly poignant for everyone involved and hopefully for those watching back home too.

“The work-rate and dedication in our training sessions throughout the summer period and here in New Zealand has been exceptional. It will be crucial that we keep our composure and focus for the full 80 minutes on Sunday.

“Our joint training session with South Africa last weekend provided an excellent opportunity to analyse and tighten up on certain aspects of our game and I know the players are now raring to go against Wales.”

Scotland team to face Wales in the opening round of the Rugby World Cup 2021 (kick-off 5.45am UK time / 5.45pm NZ time) – live on ITV

15. Chloe Rollie (Exeter Chiefs) – 50 caps

14. Rhona Lloyd (Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais) – 39 caps
13. Hannah Smith (Watsonians) – 34 caps
12. Lisa Thomson (Sale Sharks) – 46 caps
11. Megan Gaffney (Loughborough Lightning) – 44 caps

10. Helen Nelson VICE-CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 43 caps
9. Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors) – 6 caps

1. Molly Wright (Sale Sharks) – 15 caps
2. Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors) – 54 caps
3. Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning) – 18 caps
4. Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning) – 57 caps
5. Sarah Bonar (Harlequins) – 31 caps
6. Rachel Malcolm CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 30 caps
7. Louise McMillan (Saracens) – 37 caps
8. Jade Konkel (Harlequins) – 53 caps

Replacements

16. Jodie Rettie (Saracens) – 17 caps
17. Leah Bartlett (Loughborough Lightning) – 18 caps
18. Elliann Clarke (University of Edinburgh) – 1 cap
19. Lyndsay O’Donnell (Worcester Warriors) – 16 caps
20. Eilidh Sinclair (Exeter Chiefs) – 18 caps
21. Mairi McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill) – 8 caps
22. Meryl Smith (University of Edinburgh) – 3 caps
23. Shona Campbell (University of Edinburgh) – 7 caps