Scotland team named for WXV opener

Easson has made two alterations to the starting line-up from the side’s 36-5 victory against Spain in a standalone Autumn Test fixture ahead of their WXV campaign, with experienced duo Emma Wassell and Lisa Thomson starting at lock and inside centre respectively. 

Easson said: “We’re hugely excited to get our WXV campaign underway on Friday as we’re ready to get out there and get going after a positive pre-season period. 

“We’ve enjoyed two consecutive wins at the end of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations and we backed up our recent run of performances against Spain at the end of last month but our attention now fully turns to the new competition.  

“The competition [WXV] provides us with new opportunities but also new challenges as we face three opponents with varying playing styles. 

“To play South Africa in Stellenbosch is really exciting for us and we know that the hosts pose a real threat in terms of their sheer physicality as they have a number of strong ball-carriers in the team and we need to make sure we front up to that challenge on Friday.” 

An unchanged front row sees hooker Lana Skeldon pack down alongside Leah Bartlett and Christine Belisle. 

Locks Emma Wassell and Sarah Bonar combine in the second-row, while Evie Gallagher anchors a back row that sees Rachel Malcolm and Rachel McLachlan selected at openside and blindside flanker respectively. 

Mairi McDonald and Helen Nelson continue their half-back partnership, while Thomson joins Emma Orr in the midfield. 

The back-three sees Chloe Rollie retain her full-back spot, while Francesca McGhie and Rhona Lloyd once again line-up on the wings. 

You can follow this Friday’s action live on RugbyPass TV. Updates will also be provided across Scottish Rugby’s website and social media channels. 

Scotland team to face South Africa at Danie Craven, Stellenbosch (kick-off 3.30pm UK Time / 4.30pm local time) – live on RugbyPass TV 

15. Chloe Rollie (Loughborough Lightning) – 58 caps

14. Rhona Lloyd (GB 7s / Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais) – 43 caps
13. Emma Orr (Heriot’s/Biggar) – 11 caps
12. Lisa Thomson (GB 7s) – 52 caps
11. Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers) – 6 caps

10. Helen Nelson VICE-CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 52 caps
9. Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs) – 15 caps

1. Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers) – 27 caps
2. Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors) – 63 caps
3. Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning) – 27 caps
4. Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning) – 61 caps
5. Sarah Bonar (Harlequins) – 35 caps
6. Rachel Malcolm CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 39 caps
7. Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks) – 37 caps
8. Evie Gallagher (Worcester Warriors) – 19 caps

 Replacements 

16. Elis Martin (Leicester Tigers) – 2 caps
17. Anne Young (Sale Sharks) – 7 caps
18. Lisa Cockburn (Worcester Warriors) – 25 caps
19. Louise McMillan (Saracens) – 45 caps
20. Jade Konkel (Harlequins) – 59 caps
21. Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors) – 15 caps
22. Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears) – 10 caps
23. Liz Musgrove (Ealing Trailfinders) – 16 caps