Two changes as Scotland prepare for Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final

ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 07: Rachel Malcolm during a Scotland Women's World Cup squad announcement at the Old Course, on August 07, 2025, in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Jade Konkel comes in at Number 8 for her first start of the tournament, with Evie Gallagher – scorer of two tries and the competition’s top tackler so far – switching to the openside flank.

On the blind side, Scotland are led by the ubiquitous Rachel Malcolm, who takes on captaincy duties for the 53^rd time – a national record across all representative teams.

With Elliann Clarke and Lisa Cockburn ruled out through knee and concussion protocols respectively, Christine Belisle comes in to start at tighthead prop, joining Leah Bartlett (loosehead) and hooker Lana Skeldon in the front row.

Sarah Bonar, who won a 50^th cap against Canada last time out, once more links up with Emma Wassell in the second row.

The back division remains unchanged for the fourth game in succession at this Women’s Rugby World Cup, spearheaded by prolific wingers Francesca McGhie and Rhona Lloyd who, between them, crossed for no fewer than nine tries in the pool stages.

Helen Nelson and Leia Brebner-Holden form the half-back partnership, with the former approaching 250 international points, sitting as she does just 11 shy of that landmark.

A settled centre pairing of Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr, who scored a 10^th Scotland try against Fiji in the second round of pool matches, helps complete the starting XV alongside full-back Chloe Rollie.

Easson has stuck with a tested formula of six forwards and two backs on the bench, with Caity Mattinson and Evie Wills providing cover for the latter, as they were for Canada.

Molly Wright bolsters the forward front-row replacements alongside Elis Martin and Molly Poolman, with Eva Donalson, Rachel McLachlan and Alex Stewart completing the matchday 23.

Scotland Women team to face England on Sunday 14 September, kick-off 4pm, live on BBC1 and iPlayer (caps in brackets):

15.Chloe Rollie – Toulon Provence Mediterranee (80)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks – Sale Sharks (61)
13. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (33)
12. Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (74)
11. Francesca McGhie – Trailfinders Women (25)
10. Helen Nelson – vice-captain – Loughborough Lightning (74)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (14)

1. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (48)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (83)
3. Christine Belisle – Loughborough Lightning (41)
4. Emma Wassell – Trailfinders Women (72)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (50)
6. Rachel Malcolm – captain – Trailfinders Women (61)
7. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (40)
8. Jade Konkel – Harlequins (73)

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (25)
17. Molly Wright – Sale Sharks (26)
18. Molly Poolman – Watsonian FC/Edinburgh Rugby (6)
19. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (20)
20. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (56)
21. Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (16)
22. Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (36)
23. Evie Wills – Sale Sharks (7)