Head coach Bryan Easson has confirmed his Scotland line-up for their opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 against Wales. The Pool B clash takes place this Saturday, 23 August, at Salford City Stadium in Manchester, kicking off at 2.45pm live on BBC One and iPlayer.
OUr redoubtable captain Rachel Malcolm leads the side from the back row, joined by openside Rachel McLachlan and No.8 Evie Gallagher, set to make her Rugby World Cup debut.
In the second row, Sarah Bonar returns to the starting XV to partner Emma Wassell, the pair linking up for their second World Cup together.
The front row sees Lana Skeldon, Scotland’s most capped player in the 32-strong squad, start at hooker. She packs down alongside loosehead Leah Bartlett and tighthead Elliann Clarke.
In the backs, Helen Nelson, preparing for her second World Cup, partners scrum-half Leia Brebner-Holden. Regular centres Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr continue their midfield partnership, while out wide the back three of Rhona Lloyd and Francesca McGhie line up on the wings with Chloe Rollie at full-back, as featured in much of the Six Nations.
Easson has gone with a 6:2 split on the bench; even pretty experienced players like Elis Martin, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson and Alex Stewart could all win their first World Cup caps if brought on. They are joined by the experienced Jade Konkel and Molly Wright to complete the forward cover. Caity Mattinson and Beth Blacklock are named as the two backs among the replacements.
We haven’t got the women’s records in for the last World Cup yet (want to help?) but here are their last 10 results in all competitions:
Scotland last 10 games
Scotland record against Wales
Scotland: Chloe Rollie, Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Elliann Clarke, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher.
Replacements: Elis Martin, Molly Wright, Lisa Cockburn, Jade Konkel, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock.
Wales: Nel Metcalfe; Lisa Neumann, Hannah Dallavalle, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Alaw Pyrs, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).
Replacements: Carys Phillips, Maisie Davies, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Seren Lockwood, Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox.
1 response
Looking forward to the Wales match and a good opening performance. This is the strongest 23 Scotland have ever fielded at a World Cup and if the forwards can win enough ball, our backs are capable of scoring tries. I expect it to be close for the first 50 so hope the team stay calm, patient and trust themselves to finish the game off. Having seen England demolish the USA tonight, it would be good to avoid them by winning all 3 group matches. A tall order but this team look capable.