Scotland side named in Vodafone Series opener against Wales

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 30: Scotland's Leia Brebner-Holden warms up during a Guinness Women's Six Nations match between Scotland and France at Hive Stadium, on March 30, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

In the front row, Leah Bartlett will pack down with Scotland’s all-time try-scoring hooker, Lana Skeldon, and her tighthead counterpart, Christine Belisle.

Sarah Bonar returns from a shoulder injury sustained in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations earlier this year, combining with Fi McIntosh in the second row.

The back row remains unchanged from that of Scotland’s 2024 Six Nations campaign with captain Rachel Malcolm starting on the blindside, Alex Stewart on the openside, anchored by Evie Gallagher at number eight.

Scotland’s half-back partnership comprises Helen Nelson at stand-off with Mairi McDonald at scrum-half.

Bristol Bears duo Meryl Smith and Emma Orr will combine in the midfield at 12 and 13 respectively, with Coreen Grant, Francesca McGhie and Chloe Rollie completing the starting team in the back-three positions.

The bench is split as a six-two, with the aforementioned backs Brebner-Holden and Scott in line for their first Scotland caps should they be called upon.

In terms of forward replacements, Jade Konkel has been named for the first time since sustaining an ankle injury which ruled her out of this year’s Six Nations.

Elis Martin, Anne Young, Elliann Clarke, Eva Donaldson and Louise McMillan, who was made available for selection for the Vodafone Series earlier this week, complete the matchday 23.

Scotland last played Wales in the 2024 Guinness Six Nations in an historic seventh Test win in a row, ending a 20-year-long spell of defeats in Cardiff with an 18-20 victory.

Scotland team to face Wales in the Vodafone Series at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh on Friday 6 September (kick-off 7.35pm)

15. Chloe Rollie – Ealing Trailfinders (65)
14. Francesca McGhie – Leicester Tigers (12)
13. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (19)
12. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (17)
11. Coreen Grant – Saracens (11)

10. Helen Nelson (vice-captain) – Loughborough Lightning (60)
9. Mairi McDonald – Exeter Chiefs (23)

1. Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (35)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (69)
3. Christine Belisle – Loughborough Lightning (35)
4. Fi McIntosh – Saracens (2)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (37)
6. Rachel Malcolm (captain) – Loughborough Lightning (47)
7. Alex Stewart – Corstorphine Cougars (5)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (27)

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (10)
17. Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (10)
18. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (11)
19. Louise McMillan – Saracens (53)
20. Eva Donaldson – Leicester Tigers (11)
21. Jade Konkel – Harlequins (62)
22. Leia Brebner-Holden – Gloucester-Hartpury/Cheltenham Tigers(uncapped)
23. Lucia Scott – Hartpury University/Gloucester Hartpury (uncapped)