Scotland Women team for WXV Global Series finale confirmed

It is a third consecutive match against the Wallaroos, who have claimed two wins thus far, at the GIO Stadium, with this Test being the fifth and final across this season’s competition.

Against Australia, hooker Aicha Sutcliffe will make her first Scotland start as Sarah Bonar returns in the second row after recovering from illness. Chloe Rollie comes back into the starting line-up at full-back.

There are also two potential debutants from the bench in the form of Glasgow Warriors duo, centre Nicole Flynn and tighthead prop Imogen Spence.

Following last weekend’s match in Sydney, Rhona Lloyd and Katie Buchanan, who bagged her first try for Scotland against the Wallaroos as Accor Stadium, retain their places on the right and left wings, respectively, as Rollie makes up the back three at full-back.

In the midfield, vice-captain Helen Nelson moves to inside centre, partnering Meryl Smith on the outside.

Leia Brebner-Holden keeps her place at scrum-half and will start alongside Hannah Ramsay, who will feature at stand-off for her third consecutive Scotland start.

The front row will see Anne Young start at loosehead prop, Sutcliffe at hooker, and Elliann Clarke at tighthead.

Holland Bogan and Bonar will feature together in the second row, with the latter available for selection after missing the match in Sydney due to being unwell.

The back row is unchanged as captain Rachel Malcolm leads at blindside flanker, with Rachel McLachlan starting on the openside. Evie Gallagher will line up at number eight once more.

The Scotland bench is made up a five-three split of forwards and backs.

Lana Skeldon, Leah Bartlett, Hollie Cunningham, Eva Donaldson and potential debutant Spence are the forwards available amongst the replacements, whilst Ceitidh Ainsworth, the uncapped Flynn, and Lucia Scott make up the backs.

Scotland Women team to face Australia on Friday 23 October, kick-off 9.30am (BST)/7.30pm (AEDT) – live on RugbyPass TV (caps in brackets):

15. Chloe Rollie – Edinburgh Rugby (90)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks (70)
13. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (31)
12. Helen Nelson – Vice-captain – Trailfinders Women (84)
11. Katie Buchanan – Exeter Chiefs (4)

10. Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby (6)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Edinburgh Rugby (22)

1. Anne Young – Glasgow Warriors (27)
2. Aicha Sutcliffe – Glasgow Warriors (6)
3. Elliann Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (33)
4. Holland Bogan – Glasgow Warriors (8)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (53)
6. Rachel Malcolm – Captain – Trailfinders Women (68)
7. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (61)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (46)

Replacements
16. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (91)
17. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (58)
18. Imogen Spence – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
19. Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (10)
20. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (30)
21. Ceitidh Ainsworth – Glasgow Warriors (4)
22. Nicole Flynn – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
23. Lucia Scott – Glasgow Warriors (12)