One change for TikTok Women’s Six Nations finale

27 Apr 2023

Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson has named a settled side to face Ireland in the final match of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations championship (Saturday 29 April, kick-off 7.30pm) – live on BBC Scotland.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 01: Emma Orr in action for Scotland during a TikTok Women's Six Nations match between Scotland and Wales at the DAM Health Stadium, on April 01, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Having recorded an impressive bonus-point victory against Italy last weekend, Scotland go into the “Super Saturday” fixture with only one change to the starting line-up, with Emma Orr returning to start at outside centre, having progressed through the graduated return to play protocol after sustaining a concussion during the game against France.

The ticket sales for the final game in this year’s Championship has already surpassed the previous record crowd of 3,988 for the match against England at DAM Health Stadium in 2022, with over 4,000 tickets sold for this weekend’s match.

Easson said: “We’ve went for consistency this week in terms of team selection and after last weekend’s win against Italy, the players deserve the chance to build on that performance.

“Lisa Thomson has returned to the GB 7s programme ahead of the event in Toulouse but it’s brilliant to see Emma Orr returning for the finale.

“We know Ireland will throw everything at us, but we know what to expect and will be ready for the challenge. We’ve focussed on ourselves this week and if we get our processes right, the outcome will take care of itself.

“Support at DAM Health Stadium was incredible for the team last weekend. The players have talked of the noise and the energy that the crowd brings and it will be brilliant to see the squad run out to a record-breaking crowd for the final match of the tournament.”

A formidable front row sees Lana Skeldon continue to pack down alongside an unchanged prop pairing of Leah Bartlett and Christine Belisle.

Jade Konkel-Roberts and Louise McMillan will link-up in the second row, while Rachel Malcolm, Rachel McLachlan and Evie Gallagher are all once again named in the back-row.

Mairi McDonald and Helen Nelson will continue their half-back partnership, while Meryl Smith partners Orr in midfield.

The back three sees Chloe Rollie continue at full-back, with Francesca McGhie and Coreen Grant again lining up on the wing.

Get along and support the Scotland team this Saturday against Ireland and be part of a record-breaking crowd. Adult tickets are £15, Students £10, U18 £5, and U12’s go free with a paying adult ticket until midnight on Friday (28 April), booking fees apply. Secure your tickets now HERE.

Scotland team to face Ireland in the 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations (kick-off 7.30pm) – live on BBC Scotland

15. Chloe Rollie (Loughborough Lightning) – 56 caps

14. Coreen Grant (Saracens) – 5 caps
13. Emma Orr (Heriot’s) – 9 caps
12. Meryl Smith (University of Edinburgh) – 8 caps
11. Francesca McGhie (Watsonians) – 4 caps

10. Helen Nelson VICE-CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 50 caps
9. Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs) – 13 caps

2. Leah Bartlett (Loughborough Lightning) – 25 caps
2. Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors) – 61 caps
3. Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning) – 25 caps
4. Jade Konkel-Roberts (Harlequins) – 58 caps
5. Louise McMillan (Saracens) – 43 caps
6. Rachel Malcolm CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 37 caps
7. Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks) – 35 caps
8. Evie Gallagher (Worcester Warriors) – 17 caps

Replacements

16. Jodie Rettie (Saracens) – 23 caps
17. Anne Young (Sale Sharks) – 5 caps
18. Elliann Clarke (University of Edinburgh) – 5 caps
19. Eva Donaldson (University of Edinburgh) – 4 caps
20. Eilidh Sinclair (Exeter Chiefs) – 21 caps
21. Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors) – 13 caps
22. Beth Blacklock (Harlequins) – 2 caps
23. Liz Musgrove (Wasps) – 14 caps