Scotland begin WXV2 title defence with Italy victory

Defending champions Scotland started their WXV2 title defence with a 19-0 victory over last year’s runners-up Italy in Cape Town.

Tries from Chloe Rollie, Lana Skeldon and Coreen Grant helped Scotland, who edged out Italy for the title on points difference in 2023, claim a convincing win in soggy conditions at DHL Stadium.

It was still scoreless after 26 minutes when Italy’s Beatrice Rigoni missed a penalty, two minutes before team-mate Aura Muzzo was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on.

That was a double setback for the Italians and Scotland took advantage almost immediately when full-back Rollie put their first points on the scoreboard after latching onto Emma Orr’s pinpoint pass to touch down.

Hooker Skeldon then added a second try on the stroke of half-time, with both scores being converted by Helen Nelson as Scotland went into the break 14-0 ahead.

As the rain became increasingly heavy, Scotland finished things off late on when, after winning a penalty and electing to have a scrum, wing Grant went over for the champions’ third try.