Two changes for WXV 2 finale

Scotland Training IPP Session, Cape Town, 23rd October 2023

Easson has made two alterations to the replacements, with Sarah Bonar and Coreen Grant returning from injury and looking to have their first involvement in the tournament.

Scotland recorded an impressive 14-24 bonus-point victory against USA last Friday, with the side going into this week’s contest with a chance to claim the title. Both Italy and Scotland have ten points each after the first two rounds, with Italy currently topping the table due to a points difference of seven after their 36-18 win against South Africa.

Ahead of the fixture, Easson said: “I’ve been impressed by Japan in the competition. Despite a tough start against Italy in the opening round but they had a really physical test against Samoa last week and they fronted up well.

“They provide a different threat to South Africa and USA as we are expecting them to attack with width and their kick attack has been impressive as well but we’ve prepared accordingly.

“It’s fantastic to have Sarah Bonar and Coreen Grant available for the match after unfortunately being ruled out of the first two games due to injury. Sarah was outstanding in our Autumn Test against Spain and Coreen can provide threats in attack and defence so it gives us options for this Friday.”

The front-row sees Lana Skeldon continue to pack down alongside an unchanged prop pairing of Leah Bartlett and Christine Belisle, with last week’s try-scorer Emma Wassell and Louise McMillan linking-up in the second row.

Captain Rachel Malcolm is selected at blindside flanker as Rachel McLachlan and last week’s player-of-the-match Evie Gallagher continue at openside flanker and number 8 respectively.

Mairi McDonald and Helen Nelson will pull the strings in their half-back partnership, with Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr are once again named at inside centre and outside centre respectively.

Last week’s try-scoring back three, Francesca McGhie, Rhona Lloyd and full-back Chloe Rollie retain their places from last Friday.

You can follow this Friday’s action live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport Scotland website. Updates will also be provided across Scottish Rugby’s social media channels.

Image credit: Neil Kennedy.