Changes made as Scotland Women face New Zealand

Following last weekend’s defeat to Canada, Butcher brings in Ceitidh Ainsworth – who will make her first start – Eva Donaldson, Holland Bogan and Anne Young into the XV, with Sarah Bonar set to make her return from injury from the bench against the Black Ferns.

Ainsworth takes her place at scrum-half, having come off the bench for her debut against the Canadians last Saturday, and will feature alongside vice-captain Helen Nelson at stand-off.

Elsewhere, the backs remain unchanged as Meryl Smith starts at inside centre and Rachel Philipps on the outside.

After scoring her second try for Scotland, Shona Campbell retains her place on the left wing, as does Rhona Lloyd, who was also on the scoresheet at Hive last weekend, on the right. Chloe Rollie makes up the back three, taking her place at full-back.

Amongst the forwards, Bogan returns to the matchday squad to make her second start for Scotland, with the young lock set to feature alongside the experienced Emma Wassell.

On the openside flank, Donaldson will come into the starting line-up, partnering captain Rachel Malcolm who leads from blindside flanker. After making an impact on her return in a Scotland jersey, Evie Gallagher retains her place in the XV but moves to the number eight shirt against New Zealand.

In the front row, Young is set to start at loosehead prop, with Lana Skeldon and Elliann Clarke keeping their spots at hooker and tighthead, respectively.

Butcher has opted for a five-three split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements.

The back replacements include Rhea Clarke, Hannah Ramsay and the newly capped Katie Buchanan, who made her debut against Canada.

Aicha Sutcliffe, Leah Bartlett, Molly Poolman, Sarah Bonar – who returns to a Scotland matchday squad for the first time since the 2025 Rugby World Cup – and Adelle Ferrie are the forwards named on the bench.

Scotland Women team to face New Zealand on Saturday 19 September, kick-off 5.10pm – live on BBA ALBA and BBC iPlayer (caps in brackets):

15. Chloe Rollie – Edinburgh Rugby (87)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks (67)
13. Rachel Philipps – Edinburgh Rugby (5)
12. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (28)
11. Shona Campbell – Sale Sharks (15)

10. Helen Nelson – Vice-captain – Trailfinders Women (81)
9. Ceitidh Ainsworth – Glasgow Warriors (1)

1. Anne Young – Glasgow Warriors (24)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (88)
3. Elliann Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (30)
4. Emma Wassell – Trailfinders Women (79)
5. Holland Bogan – Glasgow Warriors (5)
6. Rachel Malcolm – Captain – Trailfinders Women (65)
7. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (27)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (43)

Replacements

16. Aicha Sutcliffe – Glasgow Warriors (3)
17. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (55)
18. Molly Poolman – Edinburgh Rugby (13)
19. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (51)
20. Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby (8)
21. Rhea Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (5)
22. Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby (3)
23. Katie Buchanan – Exeter Chiefs (1)