Two changes for Scotland ahead of Quarter-Final

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson has named his squad for Sunday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England, making two changes to the starting XV.

Jade Konkel will start at number eight for the first time in this tournament, with Evie Gallagher moving to openside flanker. Gallagher has been one of Scotland’s standout players so far, leading the tournament in tackles and scoring two tries.

Rachel Malcolm continues on the blindside and will captain the team for the 53rd time, extending her national record across all representative levels.

Injury has forced changes up front, with Elliann Clarke (knee) and Lisa Cockburn (concussion) unavailable. Christine Belisle comes into the side at tighthead prop, joining Leah Bartlett and Lana Skeldon in the front row.

Sarah Bonar, fresh from her 50th cap against Canada, once again partners Emma Wassell in the second row.

Easson has kept faith with a backline that has started together throughout the tournament. Francesca McGhie and Rhona Lloyd, who have combined for nine tries in the pool stage, stay on the wings.

Chloe Rollie continues at fullback, while the midfield pairing of Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr provides continuity. At half-back, Helen Nelson and Leia Brebner-Holden start again, with Nelson now just 11 points away from reaching 250 international points.

Scotland will again field a six-two split on the bench. Molly Wright, Elis Martin, and Molly Poolman provide front-row cover, while Eva Donalson, Rachel McLachlan, and Alex Stewart complete the forward options. Caity Mattinson and Evie Wills are the backline replacements.

Starting XV: 15 Chloe Rollie, 14 Rhona Lloyd, 13 Emma Orr, 12 Lisa Thomson, 11 Francesca McGhie, 10 Helen Nelson, 9 Leia Brebner-Holden; 1 Leah Bartlett, 2 Lana Skeldon, 3 Christine Belisle, 4 Emma Wassell, 5 Sarah Bonar, 6 Rachel Malcolm (captain), 7 Evie Gallagher, 8 Jade Konkel.

Reserves: 16 Elis Martin, 17 Anne Young, 18 Molly Poolman, 19 Eva Donaldson, 20 Rachel McLachlan, 21. Alex Stewart, 22 Caity Mattinson, 23 Evie Wills.