SCOTLAND will start with the same back division as took the field in their last match against France in October when they kick-off their 2021 Six Nations campaign against England in Doncaster on Saturday afternoon.
There are three changes in the pack, with Christine Belisle being promoted from the bench to start at tight-head prop, Louise McMillan is deployed in the second-row in place of Sarah Bonar, who is currently unavailable as she trains for the army, and Siobhan Cattigan takes over from Jade Konkel, who is training to join the fire service, at No8.
20-year-old flanker Evie Gallagher will make her international debut if called off the bench, while Liz Musgrove and Jenny Maxwell are also named among the replacements following their return from injury.
Racing 92 v Edinburgh: Finn Russell’s absence provokes warning from Calum MacRae
Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals moved from Marseille
Edinburgh awarded match points from cancelled Benetton fixture
“It’s been tough to select the team this week which has been a real positive as it shows there is good strength in depth within this squad,” said head coach Bryan Easson.
“The team that will take to the field on Saturday has an exciting blend of youth and experience. We have several players that have been involved in a number of Six Nations championships now, but we also have a lot of young and upcoming talent that are pushing for places in the team.
“As a management team, we are looking for the players to express themselves on both sides of the ball and also showcase the hard work that they have put in over this difficult period.
“The group have trained incredibly hard since August so we’ve had a good amount of preparation ahead of the tournament but we are now just ready and excited to get back on the pitch and play.”
Scotland (v England at Castle Park in Doncaster, on Saturday @ 3pm): C Rollie; R Shankland, H Smith, L Thomson, M Gaffney; H Nelson, M McDonald; L Bartlett, L Skeldon, C Belisle, E Wassell, L McMillan, R Malcolm©, R McLachlan, S Cattigan. Replacements: M Wright, P Muzambe, L Cockburn, E Gallagher, J Rettie, J Maxwell, S Law, L Musgrove.
Scotland undaunted by English challenge in Six Nations opener