Scotland make five changes for WXV2 title defence opener against Italy

Defending champions Scotland have made five changes to their starting XV for Sunday’s WXV2 opener with Italy.

In the pack, lock Fiona McIntosh and number eight Evie Gallagher come in while, in the backs, wing Coreen Grant, fly-half Helen Nelson and scrum-half Caity Mattinson start.

Elliann Clarke, Louise McMillan and Lisa Thomson drop to the bench while Jade Konkel and Rhona Lloyd miss out, having featured in the final warm-up match against Fiji.

Meryl Smith moves from fly-half to inside centre.

Bryan Easson’s side won that match 59-15 and beat Wales 40-14 in the previous game.

Last year, the Scots defeated hosts South Africa, the United States and Japan to take the title.

This year in Cape Town, Scotland will also face Japan (5 October) and Australia (12 October).

Scotland: Chloe Rollie, Coreen Grant, Emma Orr, Meryl Smith, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Caity Mattinson; Anne Young, Lana Skeldon, Christine Belisle, Fiona McIntosh, Sara Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (captain), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher.

Replacements: Elis Martin, Lisa Cockburn, Elliann Clarke, Louise McMillan, Alex Stewart, Leia Brebner-Holden, Lisa Thomson, Lucia Scott.