Scotland Women meet Italy in the final game of the women’s RBS Six Nations this Sunday in Rovato, Brescia.
And the match marks a return journey for full back Steph Johnston (pictured) who made her debut against Italy away two years ago, when the teams drew.
She says, “It was a fantastic opportunity to be called into the squad - obviously I was very nervous before the game and I suppose I didn’t really expect to get on then, when there was an injury, I just had to go on and do the job. I really enjoyed the experience.
“The Italians were really tough. That was the biggest game I’d ever played and really I didn’t expect how tough international rugby was going to be. It’s really such a jump from playing at club level, or playing the police or the army.”
Two years on and now with 18 caps to her credit, Steph is one of the more experienced members of this young squad.
“I’m really looking forward to the game on Sunday - I really feel so much more confident now. I guess I’ve now got two years under my belt and feel really settled in the squad and just know what I’m going to do with regards to my job in the team.”
Although the team has yet to record a victory in the championship, Steph feels a win is within reach on Sunday saying, ”I think we just need to keep doing what we’re doing. We are getting consistently better both in defence and attack and in the chances we’ve had to attack we’ve shown that we can break the gain line and make yards.
“We just need to back ourselves, make that extra ten metres and cross the line, I think we have every chance of doing that on Sunday afternoon.”
Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
