The Scotland Women’s rugby team have brought about numerous changes ahead of their final pool game against Sweden in the Women’s Rugby World Cup tomorrow (August 28th) at Surrey Sports Park.
Hooker Alison Macdonald comes off the bench to the starting fifteen, along with prop Jilly McCord and wingers Stephanie Johnston and Katy Green. Sarah Gill, fully recovered after a knock in the first game, occupies the scrum half while centre, Suzi Newton, drops back to the bench after playing in the opening match defeat to Canada.
The team’s last encounter was in January 2009 and the result falls into Scotland’s favour. Having said that, Sweden’s squad have gained much experience and learnt many lessons from 19 months ago, resulting in wins over Italy and Spain en-route to qualification for this World Cup.
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In other team news, winger Celia Hawthorn is unavailable for selection after picking up a knee injury in the team’s other defeat to France.
Scot’s coach Gary Parker has high hopes of a fifth-eighth place finish in the tournament, but says the whole squad must remain grounded:
“We’ve got to win our first game and we’ve got to score four tries, which would give us five points, including the bonus point. There are many permutations but the most important one is that we win our game. Sweden have always targeted Scotland as their game to win. We know we’ve got to cut out the mistakes that cost us dearly in the first two games and we’ve got to back ourselves to win this game.”
Scotland resides in Pool C of the competition, alongside France, Canada and Sweden. The Scots have lost both of their opening games; 17-7, 37-10 but hope for a consolation prize in the last pool game tomorrow. Kick-off is 12.00 noon at Surrey Sports Park.
For more information on the Women’s Rugby World Cup and to buy tickets, visit the website: www.rwcwomens.com/
Lisa Warman, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
