Scotland team named for USA test

STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 13: Mairi McDonald of Scotland passes the ball during the WXV 2 2023 match between Scotland and South Africa at The Danie Craven Stadium on October 13, 2023 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Johan Rynners - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Easson has opted for consistency in his selection, rewarding the side that claimed an impressive 31-17 bonus-point victory against the hosts, South Africa, with scores from Evie Gallagher, Leah Bartlett, Lisa Thomson and Lana Skeldon.

Looking ahead to the fixture, Easson said: “It was pleasing to open our WXV campaign with a win. From a performance perspective however it was a physical, scrappy encounter and we probably didn’t get as much flow into the game as we would have liked.”

“The players who started last week performed well and deserved another shot on Friday, so it was important to keep the consistency in selection.

“USA are similar to South Africa in terms of their physicality and will bring a lot of athleticism to the game. I think they will pose a threat in terms of their attacking play but we’ve prepared well this week and hope to put in a solid performance on Friday.”

A formidable front-row sees last Friday’s player-of-the-match and double try-scorer Lana Skeldon continue to pack down alongside an unchanged prop pairing of Leah Bartlett and Christine Belisle.

Emma Wassell and Louise McMillan will link-up in the second row, while Rachel Malcolm, Rachel McLachlan and Evie Gallagher are all once again named in the back-row.

Mairi McDonald and Helen Nelson retain their half-back partnership, while Lisa Thomson partners Emma Orr in the midfield.

The back-three sees Chloe Rollie start at full-back, with Francesca McGhie and Rhona Lloyd lining up on the wings.

You can follow this Friday’s action live on RugbyPass TV. Updates will also be provided across Scottish Rugby’s website and social media channels.

Scotland team to face USA at Athlone Stadium, Cape Town (kick-off 1pm UK Time / 2pm local time) – live on RugbyPass TV

15. Chloe Rollie (Loughborough Lightning) – 59 caps

14. Rhona Lloyd (GB 7s / Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais) – 44 caps
13. Emma Orr (Heriot’s/Biggar) – 12 caps
12. Lisa Thomson (GB 7s) – 53 caps
11. Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers) – 7 caps

10. Helen Nelson VICE-CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 53 caps
9. Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs) – 16 caps

1. Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers) – 28 caps
2. Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors) – 64 caps
3. Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning) – 28 caps
4. Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning) – 62 caps
5. Louise McMillan (Saracens) – 46 caps
6. Rachel Malcolm CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 40 caps
7. Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks) – 38 caps
8. Evie Gallagher (Worcester Warriors) – 20 caps

Replacements

16. Elis Martin (Leicester Tigers) – 3 caps
17. Anne Young (Sale Sharks) – 8 caps
18. Lisa Cockburn (Worcester Warriors) – 26 caps
19. Eva Donaldson (Leicester Tigers)
20. Jade Konkel (Harlequins) – 60 caps
21. Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors) – 16 caps
22. Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears) – 11 caps
23. Liz Musgrove (Ealing Trailfinders) – 17 caps