News & Features International Scotland Women

Easson makes nine changes ahead of historic Fiji test

12 Sep 2024

Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson has named eight personnel and one positional change to the starting XV ahead of Scotland’s final match of the Vodafone Series against Fiji on Saturday 14 September at Hive Stadium, kick-off 4.45pm.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 13: Scotland's Elliann Clarke in action during a Guinness Women's Six Nations match between Scotland and England at Hive Stadium, on April 13, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Anne Young and Elliann Clarke both earn their first Scotland starts at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively, with Lana Skeldon at hooker.

Louise McMillan will join Sarah Bonar in the engine room as the only change to the second row.

In the back row, captain Rachel Malcolm will collaborate with Rachel McLachlan, with Jade Konkel anchoring the scrum at number eight.

Meryl Smith has moved from centre to stand-off and will partner Caity Mattinson, who returns after sustaining a neck injury against Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations earlier this year.

After playing in her second Olympics for Great Britain Sevens, Lisa Thomson makes her XV return at inside centre, with Emma Orr retaining the number 13 jersey.

Coreen Grant, Chloe Rollie – who scored a brace against Wales last Friday at Hive Stadium – and Rhona Lloyd complete the starting line-up as they form the back three positions.

Turning to the bench, forward replacements are Elis Martin, Lisa Cockburn, Christine Belisle, Eva Donaldson and Evie Gallagher. There are three backs replacements including last weekend’s debutants, Leia Brebner-Holden and Lucia Scott, alongside Helen Nelson.

The game will be shown live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app in the UK and on the Scottish Rugby website for worldwide viewing. Coverage of this historic match will start at 4.35pm. Bruce Millar and Heather Lockhart will provide live commentary throughout.

Scotland Women v Fiji, Hive Stadium, Saturday 14 September, kick-off 4.45pm – Live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

15. Chloe Rollie – Ealing Trailfinders (66)

14. Rhona Lloyd – Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais/GB Sevens (50)
13. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (20)
12. Lisa Thomson – Ealing Trailfinders/GB Sevens (60)
11. Coreen Grant – Saracens (12)

10. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (18)
9. Caity Mattinson – Ealing Trailfinders (23)

1. Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (11)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristole Bears (70)
3. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (12)
4. Louise McMillan – Saracens (54)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (38)
6. Rachel Malcolm – captain – Loughborough Lightning (48)
7. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (43)
8. Jade Konkel – Harlequins (63)

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (11)
17. Lisa Cockburn – Gloucester-Hartpury (30)
18. Christine Belisle – Loughbrough Lightning (36)
19. Eva Donaldson – Leicester Tigers (12)
20. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (28)
21. Leia Brebner-Holden – Gloucester-Hartpury/Cheltenham Tigers (1)
22. Helen Nelson – Loughborough Lightning (61)
23. Lucia Scott – Hartpury University/Gloucester Hartpury (1)