Scotland coach Bryan Easson has named an experienced line-up for tomorrow’s home friendly against Spain - the team’s only match before they fly out to South Africa for next month’s new WXV tournament.
Key forward Sarah Bonar returns to the second row after missing the whole of last season’s Six Nations with a broken collarbone, while winger Rhona Lloyd is back from Team GB 7s duty. Lisa Thomson, who was able to divide her time in spring between GB7s and Scotland, starts on the bench.
By contrast, there is no place in the matchday 23 for the three uncapped members of the 30-woman squad named by Easson for WXV - prop Demi Swann, lock Fiona McIntosh and centre Holly McIntyre. Jade Konkel and Coreen Grant also miss out on the game at Hive Stadium, in their case because of injuries, but Easson is confident they will be available to face hosts South Africa in the first WXV match.
With games against Japan and the United States following on successive weekends, it would in theory be possible for Easson to name the same side each time. In reality, however, it is more likely that he will adapt his line-up to circumstances, with a more structured, physical approach needed against the South Africans and Americans.
“It’s great to have the Spain fixture, as when you go into any tournament it’s important you have an opportunity to pit yourself against different opposition with different playing styles," he said yesterday after announcing his squad to face the Spanish. “We know that when we go to Cape Town for WXV, we will be playing against South Africa and USA in the first two weeks who are both physical sides, but we are also playing against Japan who play more open-style, faster rugby - and Spain fall into some of those categories.
“In terms of the selection, we’ve looked at a few permutations and some players who are coming back from injury who need game time. So there is a really good mix of experience and youth in the squad for this weekend. We won our last two Six Nations games at Hive Stadium, against Italy and Ireland, and we want to back that up with another winning performance this weekend.”
Scotland (v Spain at Hive Stadium, Saturday 5.45pm): C Rollie; R Lloyd, E Orr, M Smith, F McGhie; H Nelson, M McDonald; L Bartlett, L Skeldon, C Belisle, L McMillan, S Bonar, R Malcolm (captain), R McLachlan, E Gallagher. Replacements: E Martin, A Young, L Cockburn, E Donaldson, E Wassell, C Mattinson, L Thomson, E Musgrove.
