Dempsey Prepares For ‘Biggest Game Of The Season’

Scotland Women’s coach Jamie Dempsey has branded Friday’s clash with Ireland (13 March, kick-off 7.30pm) as the biggest game of Scotland’s season – admission is free. A Scotland win would present the team with an opportunity of securing instant qualification for the 2010 World Cup as they would go into the last world ranked game of the 6 Nations – against England – vying for one of two remaining qualification slots ranked alongside Wales and Ireland. Scotland Women’s coach Jamie Dempsey has branded Friday’s clash with Ireland (13 March, kick-off 7.30pm) as the biggest game of Scotland’s season – admission is free. A Scotland win would present the team with an opportunity of securing instant qualification for the 2010 World Cup as they would go into the last world ranked game of the 6 Nations – against England – vying for one of two remaining qualification slots ranked alongside Wales and Ireland.Having already beaten France and Italy, a win for Ireland would mean Scotland would have to compete in the FIRA championships in order to qualify for a place in the illustrious tournament.Dempsey said: “They [Ireland] will be well organised and similar to ourselves in terms of passion and the desire to win but it’s up to us to play at an even higher tempo with greater control.”This is definitely the biggest game of the season so far, it’s like a cup final for us, but we’ve been aware that it could come to this for some time now, we know what’s at stake and are well prepared – it’s all about performing on the day and getting the result.”Scotland have made just one change to the side that defeated Italy (13-10) with the experienced Lana Blyth (Murrayfield Wanderers) coming in at lock in place of the injured Lindsay Wheeler (hand) (Team Northumbria).Having scored both of Scotland’s tries against Italy, Tanya Griffith retains her starting spot at fly-half with club-mate Louise Dalgliesh doing enough to get her second start of the campaign at scrum-half – despite the return of the experienced Sarah Gill from injury who moves into the vacant spot on the bench left by the promoted Blyth.Dempsey, added: “Tanya [Griffith] and Louise [Dalgliesh] were very good against Italy and their selection in the starting line-up is based purely on merit.”Tanya provided a very potent attack against Italy. She is one of our most attack-minded players and has very good skills – as well as the ability to bring others into the game.”Louise [Dalgliesh] brings a tremendous endeavour and buzz at scrum-half; she’s very energetic and has a very combative presence at the break-down – acting as an auxiliary forward when required. She will certainly relish the physical encounter against the Irish.”Scotland Women team to face Ireland at Meggetland, Edinburgh on Friday 13 March (kick-off 7.30pm)15 Lucy Millard (Murrayfield Wanderers) 14 Cara D’Silva (Royal High Corstorphine) 13 Laura Steven (Murrayfield Wanderers) 12 Erin Kerr (Richmond) 11 Victoria Blakebrough (Richmond)10 Tanya Griffith (Royal High Corstorphine)9 Louise Dalgliesh (Royal High Corstorphine)1 Heather Lockhart (Hillhead / Jordanhill) 2 Sarah-Louise Walker (Watsonians) 3 Beth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers) 4 Louise Moffat (Kirkcaldy) 5 Lana Blyth (Murrayfield Wanderers)6 Lynne Reid CAPTAIN (Royal High Corstorphine)8 Susie Brown (Hillhead / Jordanhill)7 Ruth Slaven (Murrayfield Wanderers)Replacements16 Nikki McLeod (Edinburgh University)17 Ellen Beattie (Murrayfield Wanderers)18 Joy Lyth (Lismore)19 Keri Holdsworth (Watsonians)20 Sarah Gill (Murrayfield Wanderers)21 Suzi Newton (Team Northumbria)22 Lynsey Douglas (Richmond)• The 2010 World Cup is being held in England (across West London) and will feature the top 12 international teams in world rugbyScotland Women 6 Nations fixturesFriday 13 March – Scotland v Ireland, Meggetland (kick-off 7.30pm)Saturday 21 March – England v Scotland, London Welsh, Esher RFC SW London (1.30pm) Admission to all home Scotland age-grade fixtures is free• The Scotland Women’s team and all Scotland age-grade sides are sponsored by Martin CurrieFREE TO ATTEND REPRESENTATIVE AND AGE-GRADE FIXTURESScotland WomenFriday 13 March – Scotland v Ireland, Meggetland (kick-off 7.30pm)Scotland under-20Friday 13 March – Scotland under-20 v Ireland under-20, McDiarmid Park, Perth (kick-off, 7.30pm)Scotland under-18 6 Nations Festival preparation fixturesSunday 29 March – Scotland under-18 v The Boys Club of Wales, Bridgehaugh (kick-off 2pm)