Bonar set for 50th cap against Canada in Pool decider
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Sarah Bonar is poised to earn her 50th cap as Scotland face Canada in their final match of Pool B in the Women’s Rugby World Cup on Saturday 6 September at Sandy Park, Exeter, kick-off 12pm (live on BBC 2). Head Coach Bryan Easson has made two changes to the starting XV that featured in last weekend’s victory against Fiji.
Those two changes both come in the front row, as Lisa Cockburn (tighthead prop) earns herself a first start for Scotland at the Rugby World Cup, packing down with Lana Skeldon who returns to hooker, and Leah Bartlett, who starts again at loosehead prop.
Bonar reprises her roll in the second row alongside fellow lock, Emma Wassell.
The back row remains unchanged; captain Rachel Malcolm starts on the blindside, with Rachel McLachlan on the openside, and last weekend’s Player of the Match, Evie Gallagher starting at No. 8.
The back line takes a familiar shape once more with Leia Brebner-Holden and Helen Nelson in control at scrum-half and stand-off respectively.
Lisa Thomson and one of last weekend’s try scorers, Emma Orr, retain their place in the midfield, whilst wingers Rhona Lloyd and Francesca McGhie – who both scored a brace last week – and the ever-present Chloe Rollie complete the starting side.
On the bench, Easson has again selected a 6:2 split of forwards and backs. Molly Poolman (tighthead prop) could make her Rugby World Cup debut should she be called upon. Anne Young and Elis Martin add to the front row replacements. An energising and physical trio of Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart and Jade Konkel complete the forwards selection.
The matchday 23 is rounded off by Evie Wills (stand-off/centre) – who could make her Rugby World Cup debut – and the ever-dependable Caity Mattinson (scrum-half).
Scotland Women team to face Fiji on Saturday 6 September, kick-off 12pm, live on BBC 2 and iPlayer. (caps in brackets; * denotes Rugby World Cup debut)
15. Chloe Rollie – Toulon Provence Mediterranee (79)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks – Sale Sharks (61)
13. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (32)
12. Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (73)
11. Francesca McGhie – Trailfinders Women (24)
10. Helen Nelson – vice-captain – Loughborough Lightning (73)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (13)
1. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (47)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (82)
3. Lisa Cockburn – Gloucester Hartpury (35)
4. Emma Wassell – Trailfinders Women (71)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (49)
6. Rachel Malcolm – captain – Trailfinders Women (60)
7. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (55)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (39)
Replacements
16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (24)
17. Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (22)
18. Molly Poolman – Watsonian FC/Edinburgh Rugby (5)*
19. Jade Konkel Jade Konkel – Harlequins (72)
20. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (19)
21. Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (15)
22. Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (35)
23. Evie Wills – Sale Sharks (6)*
