Martin to start for Scotland Women against Fiji
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Head coach Bryan Easson has made one change to the starting line-up ahead of Scotland’s second Pool B match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup against Fiji, this Saturday, 30 August at Salford Community Stadium (kick-off 2.45pm, live on BBC Two).
Hooker Elis Martin earns herself a first Rugby World Cup start in the front row, packing down with Leah Bartlett (loosehead prop) and Elliann Clarke (tighthead prop).
Emma Wassell and Sarah Bonar have been given the nod once again in the second row, alongside an unchanged back row of captain blindside flanker Rachel Malcolm, openside Rachel McLachlan and Evie Gallagher at No 8.
The back line also remains unchanged from last weekend’s victory over Wales, with Leia Brebner-Holden – who scored for Scotland for the first time against Wales last week – and Helen Nelson resuming their half-back partnership.
Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr will start in the midfield, complete by a striking back three of Chloe Rollie, Rhona Lloyd and last week’s hat-trick hero, Francesca McGhie.
On the bench, Easson has further opted for a 6:2 split of forwards and backs. Adelle Ferrie (second row) and Anne Young (loosehead prop) could make their Rugby World Cup debut should they be called upon. The remaining forwards replacements are Molly Wright (hooker), Lisa Cockburn (tighthead prop), Eva Donaldson (second/back-row) and Alex Stewart (back-row). Caity Mattinson (scrum-half) and Beth Blacklock (stand-off/centre) complete the match-day 23.
Scotland Women team to face Fiji on Saturday 30 August, kick-off 2.45pm, live on BBC 2 and iPlayer. (caps in brackets; * denotes Rugby World Cup debut)
15. Chloe Rollie – Toulon Provence Mediterranee (78)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks – Sale Sharks (60)
13. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (31)
12. Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (72)
11. Francesca McGhie – Trailfinders Women (23)
10. Helen Nelson – vice-captain – Loughborough Lightning (72)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (12)
1. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (46)
2. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (23)
3. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (23)
4. Emma Wassell – Trailfinders Women (70)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (48)
6. Rachel Malcolm – captain – Trailfinders Women (59)
7. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (54)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (38)
Replacements
16. Molly Wright – Sale Sharks (25)
17. Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (21)*
18. Lisa Cockburn – Gloucester Hartpury (35)
19. Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (6) *
20. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (18)
21. Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (14)
22. Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (34)
23. Beth Blacklock – Saracens (5)
