Women's

Scotland make one change to XV for the visit of Japan

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Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson will stick with his trusted line-up for their opening autumn international against Japan.

Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson will stick with his trusted line-up for their opening autumn international against Japan.

Easson makes just one change from the side that started the last game, a crucial European qualifier victory over Ireland back in September, as his team search for a third straight win.

Sarah Bonar returns to the starting XV in the second-row, replacing Louise McMillan who is on the bench.

The Sunday afternoon international, kicking off at 4.10pm, will be the first time Scotland have played in front of a home crowd in two years.

Japan, who were beaten 23-5 by Wales last weekend, were victorious against the Scots in the last meeting between the two nations, back in November 2019.

Captain Rachel Malcolm leads the team once again, starting at blindside flanker, with Sale Sharks’ Rachel McLachlan on the other side.

Experience will come in the form of lock Emma Wassell, who is in line to win her 51st cap against the Cherry Blossoms.

Two Edinburgh University players could be in line for their Scotland debut from the bench with Anne Young and Shona Campbell named amongst the replacements.

Scotland team to play Japan: 15. Chloe Rollie, 14. Rhona Lloyd, 13. Hannah Smith, 12. Lisa Thomson, 11. Megan Gaffney, 10. Helen Nelson, 9. Jenny Maxwell; 1. Leah Bartlett, 2. Lana Skeldon, 3. Christine Belisle, 4. Emma Wassell, 5. Sarah Bonar, 6. Rachel Malcolm (Captain), 7. Rachel McLachlan, 8. Jade Konkel.

Replacements: 16. Molly Wright, 17. Anne Young, 18. Lisa Cockburn, 19. Louise McMillan, 20. Evie Gallagher, 21. Sarah Law, 22. Evie Wills, 23. Shona Campbell.