Easson makes six changes to starting line-up for Japan clash

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Scotland's Rhona Lloyd runs through for her try during an Autumn Test match between Scotland Women and Fiji at Hive Stadium, on September 14, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

There are four changes to a freshened forward pack with Leah Bartlett returning at loosehead, joining Lana Skeldon and Christine Belisle in the front row, both players retaining their jerseys from last weekend.

Louise McMillan is selected to join Sarah Bonar in the second row. Alex Stewart comes in to start alongside captain Rachel Malcolm at openside and blindside flank respectively, anchored by Jade Konkel, who returns to the number eight jersey.

Helen Nelson and Caity Mattinson will continue to pull the strings at stand-off and scrum-half.

Meryl Smith shifts from inside centre to outside, with double Olympian Lisa Thomson joining her in the midfield.

Rhona Lloyd returns to the starting line-up, joining Chloe Rollie and Francesca McGhie in the back-three positions.

Once again, Easson has opted for a five-three split of forwards and backs with Elis Martin, Anne Young, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson and Evie Gallagher in line for another cap from the bench. Leia Brebner-Holden, Emma Orr and Lucia Scott complete the match-day 23 as the backs replacements.

Japan v Scotland; WXV 2, Athlone Sports Stadium, Cape Town (kick off 1pm BST) – live on BBC iPlayer and RugbyPassTV for international viewers.

15. Chloe Rollie – Ealing Trailfinders (68)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais (51)
13. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (20)
12. Lisa Thomson – Ealing Trailfinders (62)
11. Francesca McGhie – Leicester Tigers (15)

10. Helen Nelson – Loughborough Lightning (63)
9. Caity Mattinson – Ealing Trailfinders (25)

1. Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (36)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (72)
3. Christine Belisle – Loughborough Lightning (38)
4. Louise McMillan – Saracens (56)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (40)
6. Rachel Malcolm – captain – Loughborough Lightning (50)
7. Alex Stewart – Corstorphine Cougars (7)
8. Jade Konkel – Harlequins (64)

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (13)
17. Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (13)
18. Lisa Cockburn – Gloucester-Hartpury (31)
19. Eva Donaldson – Leicester Tigers (13)
20. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (30)
21. Leia Brebner-Holden – Gloucester-Hartpury (3)
22. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (22)
23. Lucia Scott – Gloucester University/Gloucester-Hartpury (3)