Two changes for Scotland as they look to build on Six Nations win

Scotland boss Bryan Easson has made two changes to his team to host France in this Saturday’s round two Guinness Six Nations encounter in Edinburgh.

The Scots got off to a flyer last weekend in Cardiff, beating Wales 20-18 and securing their highest-ever world ranking as they moved up to the sixth in the standings.

That victory, which featured tries at the start of each half from Coreen Grant and Rhona Lloyd and 10 points from the boot of Helen Nelson, was the first time in 20 years that Scotland beat Wales on Welsh soil and they will now look to build on that breakthrough having retained 13 of the same starters.

Both changes from last weekend are in the pack with Louise McMillan, a round one replacement, set for her 50th appearance after taking over at second row from the absent Sarah Bonar.

The other alteration is at hooker where Elis Martin makes her first Test start for Scotland. She is another of last week’s replacements to secure promotion with Lana Skeldon dropping out.

Among the replacements, centre Nicole Flynn and second row Fi McIntosh are in contention to win a first cap.

Scotland (vs France, Saturday)

15. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (14)

14. Rhona Lloyd – GB Sevens/Stade Bordelais (47)

13. Emma Orr – Heriot’s Blues (15)

12. Lisa Thomson – GB Sevens (56)

11. Coreen Grant – Saracens (8)

10 Helen Nelson – (Vice-captain) – Loughborough Lightning (56)

9. Caity Mattinson – Gloucester-Hartpury (19)

1. Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (31)

2. Elis Martin – Leicester Tigers (6)

3. Christine Belisle – Loughborough Lightning (31)

4. Emma Wassell – Loughborough Lightning (65)

5. Louise McMillan – Saracens (49)

6. Rachel Malcolm (Captain) – Loughborough Lightning (43)

7. Alex Stewart – Corstorphine Cougars (1)

8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (23)

Replacements:

16. Molly Wright – Sale Sharks (19)

17. Lisa Cockburn – Leicester Tigers (28)

18. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (7)

19. Fiona McIntosh – Saracens (uncapped)

20. Eva Donaldson – Leicester Tigers (8)

21. Mairi McDonald – Exeter Chiefs (18)

22. Nicole Flynn – University of Edinburgh (uncapped)

23. Chloe Rollie – Loughborough Lightning (62)