Scotland Women head coach Shade Munro has made two changes as his side look to finish their Women’s Six Nations campaign with a flourish against Italy on Friday evening.
It’s already been a campaign that had brought the Scots a long-awaited victory, with their 15-14 win over Wales in Round Three their first in the Women’s Six Nations for seven years.
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Not since 2006 have they won two matches in one year, but this is a feat they’ll be looking to match at Broadwood Stadium against an Italian team who have lost their previous four games.
Munro said: “We are aiming to end this year’s Six Nations campaign on a positive note with a strong performance against Italy.
“It’s been pleasing to see the squad improve in many aspects, but there is more work to be done to reach our full potential.
“We need a consistent and solid performance at Broadwood as Italy are a very good side and have been improving with every game in the tournament.
“Support from the stands will make a difference and give the players an edge so it would be great to see a big crowd on Friday night.”
Edinburgh University prop Katie Dougan has been rewarded with a first start, after winning eight caps off the bench, as she replaces Lindsay Smith at tighthead, with Smith named as a replacement.
Scotland also welcome back No.8 Jade Konkel, who missed last week’s 64-0 defeat against England due to injury, causing a reshuffle in an all-Hillhead Jordanhill back row.
Jemma Forsyth, who started in Konkel’s position last time out, moves to blindside flanker, meaning Sarah Bonar steps aside and takes a place on the bench.
Rachel Malcolm will be the replacement hooker after recovering from an injury sustained in the Scots’ opening match against Ireland, while winger Lauren Harris has also been drafted on to the bench.
Scotland Women team to play Italy Women: 15. Chloe Rollie (Murrayfield Wanderers) 14. Megan Gaffney (Edinburgh University) 13. Lisa Thomson (Edinburgh University) 12. Lisa Martin (Murrayfield Wanderers) 11. Rhona Lloyd (Edinburgh University) 10. Helen Nelson (Murrayfield Wanderers) 9. Sarah Law (Murrayfield Wanderers/Edinburgh University) 1. Tracy Balmer (Worcester) 2. Lana Skeldon (Hillhead Jordanhill) 3. Katie Dougan (Edinburgh University) 4. Emma Wassell (Murrayfield Wanderers) 5. Deborah McCormack (Aylesford Bulls) 6. Jemma Forsyth (Hillhead Jordanhill) 7. Louise McMillan (Hillhead Jordanhill) 8. Jade Konkel (Hillhead Jordanhill) Replacements 16. Rachel Malcolm (Lichfield) 17. Heather Lockhart (Hillhead Jordanhill) 18. Lindsey Smith (Hillhead Jordanhill) 19. Sarah Bonar (Lichfield) 20. Lyndsay O’Donnell (Worcester) 21. Jenny Maxwell (Lichfield) 22. Lauren Harris (Melrose) 23. Eilidh Sinclair (Murrayfield Wanderers)
Tickets are available for every game of the Women’s Six Nations – simply visit the websites below for each country: ENGLAND FRANCE IRELAND ITALY SCOTLAND WALES
