Lyndsay O'Donnell named in Scotland XV

Scotland Head Coach Bryan Easson has named an unchanged squad to face Wales in this weekend’s TikTok Women’s Six Nations match at DAM Health Stadium, live on BBC Two.

Easson has opted for continuity in his selection, giving the side a chance to build upon some encouraging displays in last weekend’s defeat to England.

Rachel Malcolm leads the team from blindside flanker, with Rachel McLachlan on the openside and Evie Gallagher completing the back row at No 8.

Lyndsay O’ Donnell and Louise McMillan team up in the second row once more, with the experienced Lana Sheldon named at hooker and packing down with loosehead prop Leah Bartlett and Christine Belisle (tighthead) either side.

In the back division, Chloe Rollie, a try scorer in round one, is selected at full-back, with Coreen Grant and Francesca McGhie – who made her debut against England – lining up on the wings.

Meryl Smith and Emma Orr continue their burgeoning centre partnership, with vice-captain Helen Nelson and Caity Mattinson the starting half-backs. On the bench, Jodie Rettie, Anne Young and Elliann Clarke are listed as front row options, with Eva Donaldson and Eilidh Sinclair the other two forward replacements.

Backs Mairi McDonald, Beth Blacklock and Liz Musgrove complete Scotland’s matchday 23. “We’ve gone for the same 15 and the same bench that started against England last week,’ explained Head Coach Bryan Easson.

“We felt the performances from the starting 15 and also the replacements who brought a lot of energy, was enough to give them another opportunity to show some of the green shoots that we showed last week against England. It is an opportunity to continue that into the Wales game this weekend.

“I think from an attack point of view, we fired some good shots however can be a little more clinical when we get opportunities. From a defensive point of view we had some really good sets and England did have to work for everything that they got. We did put them under pressure, especially that first 20 and last 10. We’ve reviewed quite closely; we’ve taken a lot of the positives from that, and we put it into this weekend.

“DAM Health is a brilliant venue, it really is great to be home. It’s our ground. When you’re at home that is when you throw in the performances that your home crowd can be proud of. The atmosphere is always outstanding and we really want to make it a feel-good venue for us, but difficult for any opposition coming."

SCOTLAND TEAM:

15. Chloe Rollie (Loughborough Lightning) – 53 caps 14. Coreen Grant (Saracens) – 2 caps 13. Emma Orr (Heriot’s Rugby/Biggar) – 7 caps 12. Meryl Smith (University of Edinburgh) – 5 caps 11. Francesca McGhie (Watsonians) – 1 cap 10. Helen Nelson VICE-CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 47 caps 9. Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors) – 10 caps; 1. Leah Bartlett (Loughborough Lightning) – 22 caps 2. Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors) – 58 cap 3. Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning) – 22 caps 4. Lyndsay O’Donnell (Bristol Bears) – 18 caps 5. Louise McMillan (Saracens) – 40 caps 6. Rachel Malcolm CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 34 caps 7. Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks) – 32 caps 8. Evie Gallagher (Worcester Warriors) – 14 caps

Replacements: 16. Jodie Rettie (Saracens) – 21 caps 17. Anne Young (Sale Sharks) – 3 caps 18. Elliann Clarke (University of Edinburgh) – 3 caps 19. Eva Donaldson (University of Edinburgh) – 2 caps 20. Eilidh Sinclair (Exeter Chiefs) – 20 caps 21. Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs) – 10 caps 22. Beth Blacklock (Harlequins) – 1 cap 23. Liz Musgrove (Wasps) – 12 caps