Chloe Rollie Looking to Finish Six Nations on a High

By Harry Scott-Munro
29/04/22

Exeter Chiefs Women’s fullback Chloe Rollie will be hoping that she and her teammates can secure victory over Ireland on Saturday evening, as they hunt for their first victory of the Six Nations.

Last weekend, the Scots suffered a narrow loss to Italy, despite impressing for large spells. As a result, Easson has decided to stick with a settled feel to his starting XV, which will be led once more by blindside flanker Rachel Malcolm.

Rachel McLachlan and Evie Gallagher complete the back row, with the experienced Emma Wassell and Sarah Bonar lining up in the second row.

In the backs, Caity Mattinson partners Sarah Law at half-back after making her first start for her country last weekend, with vice-captain Helen Nelson and Lisa Thomson selected at inside and outside centre respectively.

Full-back Rollie, who was named as player of the round against France, is part of a back three that also contains wingers Rhona Lloyd and Shona Campbell.

On the bench, Easson has made three alterations with Eva Donaldson, Mairi McDonald and Emma Orr all looking to make an impact.

Easson admitted that there had been some honest words within the camp this week, but explained that the goal for the championship has been about building the experience within his side ahead of the world cup.

“We’ve had a very honest review this week, so our training sessions have focused on getting the details rights and trying to piece together the positive aspects of our recent performances. The decision-making process throughout the TikTok Women’s Six Nations has been around giving as much experience to as many players we can ahead of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. I’ve been really pleased with some of the performances from the younger players who have made the team selection choices a lot tougher,” he acknowledged.

“I felt the players performed well in the first half against Italy and this is another chance for that group to put the second-half wrongs to right at the Kingspan Stadium this Saturday.”

Scotland Team vs Ireland

15. Chloe Rollie (Exeter Chiefs) – 48 caps

14. Rhona Lloyd (Les Lioness du Stade Bordelaise) – 37 caps

13. Lisa Thomson (Sale Sharks) – 44 caps

12. Helen Nelson VICE CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 41 caps

11. Shona Campbell (Edinburgh University) – 5 caps

10. Sarah Law (Sale Sharks) – 51 caps

9. Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors) – 4 caps

1. Molly Wright (Sale Sharks) – 13 caps

2. Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors) – 52 caps

3. Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning) – 16 caps

4. Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning) – 55 caps

5. Sarah Bonar (Harlequins) – 28 caps

6. Rachel Malcolm CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning) – 28 caps

7. Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks) – 27 caps

8. Evie Gallagher (Stirling County) – 11 caps

Replacements

16. Jodie Rettie (Saracens) – 19 caps

17. Leah Bartlett (Loughborough Lightning) – 15 caps

18. Katie Dougan (Gloucester Hartpury) – 16 caps

19. Louise McMillan (Hillhead Jordanhill) – 35 caps

20. Eva Donaldson (Edinburgh University) - 1 cap

21. Mairi McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill) - 7 caps

22. Emma Orr (Biggar) - 2 caps

23. Megan Gaffney (Loughborough Lightning) - 43 caps