Scotland women get their 2014 6 Nations Rugby Championship underway this weekend as they face current grand slam holders, Ireland.
Hoping to improve upon last year’s wooden spoon, new head coach Jules Maxton has refreshed the squad with some new talent, as four uncapped players look to make their first bow on the international stage.
Having impressed at last weekend’s final training camp, newbies Deborah McCormack (Richmond), Lisa Robertson (Murrayfield Wanderers), Emma Wassel (Murrayfield Wanderers) and Anna Stodter (Loughborough University) have all been included in the squad of 23 for the tournament opener.
Though the team retains an experienced core with the likes of Lindsay Wheeler – 61 caps, Heather Lockhart – 66 caps, and Louise Dalgliesh – 62 caps, there is an excitement to see a new generation of players coming through.
Ahead of the game, head coach Maxton, said: “The uncapped players named are those we see as having great potential for the future, with one of the aims for this season being to provide opportunities for new players moving forward over the next few seasons.
“For us it’s about the balance of having experience, and developing and rebuilding our team.
“This is a new team and this weekend we want to set the standard for ourselves. We can’t just say we want to win, we have to look at how we can achieve that. We’re working really hard on what out performance outcomes are for the game and if we can improve on them on a week to week basis, the wins will come.”
Of the recent call-ups, just McCormack is guaranteed to earn her first cap this Friday as she starts in the second row, but all will be hoping to feature at some point and get their hands on the most coveted bonnet.
Scotland squad to face Ireland
| 15 Stephanie Johnston – 22 caps, Worcester
14 Katy Green – 21 caps, Darlington Mowden Park 13 Annabel Sergeant – 12 caps, Richmond 12 Gillian Inglis – 3 caps, Melrose 11 Megan Gaffney – 9 caps, Hillhead-Jordanhill 10 Lisa Martin – 14 caps, Murrayfield Wanderers 9 Sarah Law – 8 caps, Murrayfield Wanderers
1Tracy Balmer – 20 caps, Worcester (captain) 2 Sarah Quick – 19 caps, Murrayfield Wanderers 3 Lindsay Smith – 15 caps, Hillhead-Jordanhill 4 Jade Konkel – 7 caps, Hillhead-Jordanhill 5 Deborah McCormack – Uncapped, Richmond 6 Tess Forsberg – 18 caps, Richmond 7 Ruth Slaven – 31 caps, Murrayfield Wanderers 8 Lindsay Wheeler – 61 caps, Saracens
Replacements:
16 Nikki McLeod – 9 caps, Stirling County 17 Lisa Robertson – Uncapped, Murrayfield Wanderers 18 Heather Lockhart – 66 caps, Hillhead-Jordanhill 19 Emma Wassel – Uncapped, Murrayfield Wanderers 20 Anna Stodter – Uncapped, Loughborough University 21 Louise Dalgliesh – 62 caps, RHC Cougars 22 Tanya Griffiths – 44 caps, RHC Cougars 23. Laura Steven – 31 caps, Murrayfield Wanderers |
The match will be played at Ashbourne RFC, near Dublin on Friday 31 January in a 7.30pm kick-off. To see how they get on follow @ScotlandTeam on Twitter.
