Scotland team named for Spain test

18 Sep 2021

Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson has made two alterations to the starting Scotland side to face Spain in this Sunday’s Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifiers match (19 September, kick-off 5pm BST / 6pm local time) – live on BBC ALBA.

Louise McMillan moves to the second-row in the absence of Sarah Bonar, who is unavailable due to work commitments, while Rachel McLachlan moves to the back-row from the bench.

Easson said: “Our opening match of the tournament was a disappointment and not a true reflection of the hard work our players have put in over the past year.

“We will be put to the test against Spain, who we expect to be extremely motivated following their result against Ireland last weekend, but our players have responded well on-and-off the pitch this week and are determined to deliver a performance that keeps our qualification chances in sight.”

Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon and Christine Belisle once again join forces in the front-row, while Emma Wassell starts alongside McMillan in the second-row.

The pack is completed by captain Rachel Malcolm, who joins McLachlan and Jade Konkel in the back-row.

Jenny Maxwell and Helen Nelson will continue to pull the strings through their half-back partnership, while Lisa Thomson partners Hannah Smith in midfield.

A settled back-three sees Chloe Rollie continue at full-back, with Megan Gaffney and Rhona Lloyd again lining up on the wing.

Siobhan Cattigan and Abi Evans are named in the replacements, with both players primed for their first involvement in the tournament.

You can follow all the action live on BBC ALBA and across Rugby World Cup’s social channels and website. Live updates will also be provided on scottishrugby.org.

Scotland Women team to face Spain on Sunday at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (kick-off 5pm BST / 6pm local time) – live on BBC ALBA

15. Chloe Rollie (Exeter Chiefs) – 41 caps

14. Rhona Lloyd (Les Lionness Du Stade Bordelais) – 29 caps

13. Hannah Smith (Watsonians) – 27 caps

12. Lisa Thomson (Sale Sharks) – 36 caps

11. Megan Gaffney (Heriot’s) – 35 caps

10. Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning) – 33 caps

9. Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning) – 33 caps

1. Leah Bartlett (Loughborough Lightning) – 8 caps

2. Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors) – 44 caps

3. Christine Belisle (Cartha Queens Park) – 8 caps

4. Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning) – 48 caps