Two changes to Scotland Women starting line-up for Italy

Scotland Women Head Coach Shade Munro has named two changes to the team set to start against Italy Women at Stadio Arcoveggio, Bologna this Sunday (28 February, kick-off 1.30pm GMT). Elidh Sinclair, who made her debut against Italy in 2014, will replace injured Lauren Harris on the wing and Jennifer Maxwell will start at scrum-half. Both impressed in the first two rounds of the Women’s Six Nations when they came on as replacements against England and Wales.The changes mean Sarah Law moves to the bench and RHC Cougars stand-off Claire Bain joins the squad. The rest of the backs remain unchanged, with full-back Chloe Rollie and wing Rhona Lloyd teaming up with Sinclair in the back-three. Megan Gaffney and Lisa Thomson partner in the centre and captain Lisa Martin retains her berth at stand-off.The settled pack will again see Jemma Forsyth and Karen Dunbar flank number 8 Jade Konkel.On-form locks Emma Wassell and Deborah McCormack return, with Tracy Balmer, Lana Skeldon and Lindsey Smith staying strong in the front-row.  Both teams are seeking their first win, with Italy going down to France (39-0) and England (24-33).Scotland Women Head Coach Shade Munro said: “The players and coaches have a real desire to keep building on our improved performances.The effort from the squad in the lead-up to, and during, this Six Nations campaign has been immense.                                                     “We went out strong against England and showed what we are capable of defensively. Wales was another tough match, but all 23 played with pride and passion for the thistle.”We’re now looking forward to the challenge ahead in Italy, which is another step on our journey towards closing the gap with other nations.”Scotland Women team to play Italy Women at Stadio Arcoveggio, BolognaSunday 28 February (kick-off 1.30pm GMT, 2.30pm local) 15 Chloe Rollie* (Murrayfield Wanderers)14 Eilidh Sinclair* (Murrayfield Wanderers)13 Megan Gaffney (Hillhead/Jordanhill)12 Lisa Thomson* (Melrose RFC / Edinburgh University)11 Rhona Lloyd (Murrayfield Wanderers / Edinburgh University) 10 Lisa Martin* (Murrayfield Wanderers) CAPTAIN9 Jennifer Maxwell (Leeds Beckett University / Lichfield RFC) 1 Tracy Balmer (Worcester RFC)2 Lana Skeldon* (Hillhead/Jordanhill)3 Lindsey Smith (Hillhead/Jordanhill)4 Emma Wassell* (Murrayfield Wanderers)5 Deborah McCormack (Richmond RFC)6 Jemma Forsyth (Hillhead/Jordanhill)7 Karen Dunbar (RHC Cougars / Edinburgh University)8 Jade Konkel (Hillhead/Jordanhill)Substitutes16 Sarah Quick (Murrayfield Wanderers)17 Debbie Falconer (Stirling County / Stirling University)18 Heather Lockhart (Hillhead/Jordanhill)19 Fiona Sim (Saracens RFC)20 Anna Stodter (Saracens RFC)21 Sarah Law* (Murrayfield Wanderers / Edinburgh University)22 Claire Bain (RHC Cougars)23 Abigail Evans (Hillhead/Jordanhill) * BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 2 players 2015/16 Scotland Women Six NationsSunday 28 February: Italy v Scotland, Stadio Arcoveggio (kick-off 1.30pm GMT, 2.30pm local)Friday 11 March: Scotland v France, Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld (kick-off 6pm)*Sunday 20 March: Ireland v Scotland, Donnybrook (kick-off 1pm)*Scotland Women and Scotland Under-20 return to Broadwood Stadium on Friday 11 March for a double-header against France. Tickets are£10 (adult entry to both matches) with seniors, under-18s and Scotland Season Pass holders free. Tickets available here.