Brebner-Holden set to make first start against Australia

10 Oct 2024

Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson has named his side to face Australia in the final round of the WXV 2 competition.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Scotland's Leia Brebner-Holden during an Autumn Test match between Scotland and Wales at the Hive Stadium, on September 06, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Easson has made seven changes from last week’s side which faced Japan, with Leia Brebner-Holden set to make her first start for Scotland at scrum-half, with Helen Nelson outside of her at stand-off.

Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr are set to start at inside and outside centre respectively.

The back-three positions are filled by wingers Coreen Grant and Francesca McGhie with Chloe Rollie starting at full-back.

In the forward pack, Elliann Clarke comes in at tighthead prop and will pack down with hooker Lana Skeldon, with Leah Bartlett at loosehead.

Eva Donaldson joins Sarah Bonar in the second row.

Captain Rachel Malcolm will continue to lead in the number six jersey and will be joined by Rachel McLachlan on the openside and Evie Gallagher at number 8.

Scotland’s team is rounded off with a five-three split of forwards and backs. Amongst the forwards replacements are Elis Martin, Anne Young, Christine Belisle, Louise McMillan and Jade Konkel.

The bench is completed by replacement scrum-half, Caity Mattinson, last week’s Mastercard Player of the Match, Meryl Smith and back-three player, Lucia Scott.

Scotland will be crowned champions with a win over the Wallaroos, based on the head-to-head rule.

Scotland Women team to face Australia in Round Three of WXV 2 at Athlone Sports Stadium, kick-off at 4pm BST. Live coverage is available on BBC iPlayer for UK viewers and international coverage is available on RugbyPass.tv.

15. Chloe Rollie – Ealing Trailfinders (69)

14. Coreen Grant – Saracens (13)
13. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (23)
12. Lisa Thomson – Ealing Trailfinders (63)
11. Francesca McGhie – Leicester Tigers (16)

10. Helen Nelson – vice captain – Loughborough Lightning (64)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Cheltenham Tigers/Gloucester-Hartpury (4)

1. Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (37)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (73)
3. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (14)
4. Eva Donaldson – Leicester Tigers (14)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (41)
6. Rachel Malcolm – captain – Loughborough Lightning (51)
7. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (45)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (31)

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (14)
17. Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (14)
18. Christine Belisle – Loughborough Lightning (39)
19. Louise McMillan – Saracens (57)
20. Jade Konkel – Harlequins (65)
21. Caity Mattinson – Ealing Trailfinders (26)
22. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (21)
23. Lucia Scott – Hartpury University/Gloucester Hartpury (3)

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