News & Features International Scotland Women

McMillan to reach appearance milestone against France

28 Mar 2024

Louise McMillan will earn a 50th international cap this weekend as Scotland return to Hive Stadium to face France, with head coach Bryan Easson making two changes to the starting team.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 05: Louise McMillan during a Scotland Rugby Women visual access at the Hive Stadium, on March 05, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

After coming on for Sarah Bonar in the win against Wales, McMillan will start in the second row alongside Emma Wassell.

Having impressed on debut last weekend, Alex Stewart and Evie Gallagher join captain Rachel Malcolm in an unchanged back row.

Elis Martin makes her first start for Scotland, coming into the front row at hooker, and will pack down with Leah Bartlett (loosehead prop) and Christine Belisle at tighthead.

The backline remains unchanged from last weekend’s history-making clash with Wales, as Caity Mattinson and Helen Nelson retain their half-back partnership, with Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr continuing at centre.

Having both been nominated for Guinness Six Nations Try of the Round for their efforts against Wales, wingers Coreen Grant and Rhona Lloyd will once again line up with Meryl Smith at full-back.

Among the replacements, centre Nicole Flynn and second row Fi McIntosh are in contention to win a first cap for Scotland, as they join front row trio Molly Wright (hooker), Lisa Cockburn, Elliann Clarke (loose and tighthead respectively), lock Eva Donaldson, and backline duo Mairi McDonald and Chloe Rollie to complete the matchday 23.

Tickets for the match are still available from £11.50 for adults, £9 for students and £6.50 for U18s with children U12 FREE (plus booking fee, with a paying adult). Secure your tickets here.

Scotland team to take on France in Round 2 of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2024. Tickets can be purchased via scottishrugby.org and the match will be broadcast live on BBC One Scotland and BBC iPlayer – kick-off 2.15pm.

15. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (14)
14. Rhona Lloyd – GB Sevens / Stade Bordelais (47)
13. Emma Orr – Heriot’s Blues (15)
12. Lisa Thomson – GB Sevens (56)
11. Coreen Grant – Saracens (8)

10 Helen Nelson – (Vice-captain) – Loughborough Lightning (56)
9. Caity Mattinson – Gloucester-Hartpury (19)

1. Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (31)
2. Elis Martin – Leicester Tigers (6)
3. Christine Belisle – Loughborough Lightning (31)
4. Emma Wassell – Loughborough Lightning (65)
5. Louise McMillan – Saracens (49)
6. Rachel Malcolm (Captain) – Loughborough Lightning (43)
7. Alex Stewart – Corstorphine Cougars (1)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (23)

Replacements

16. Molly Wright – Sale Sharks (19)
17. Lisa Cockburn – Leicester Tigers (28)
18. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (7)
19. Fiona McIntosh – Saracens (uncapped)
20. Eva Donaldson – Leicester Tigers (8)
21. Mairi McDonald – Exeter Chiefs (18)
22. Nicole Flynn – University of Edinburgh (uncapped)
23. Chloe Rollie – Loughborough Lightning (62)

Unavailable through injury: Sarah Bonar (shoulder), Lana Skeldon (knee).