Trio set to face each other in Autumn Test

By Harry Scott-Munro
13/11/21

Exeter Chiefs Women’s players Chloe Rollie, Sachiko Kato and Kanako Kobayashi are all set to put club rivalries aside when Scotland and Japan meet tomorrow

Scotland Head Coach Bryan Easson has made just one change to his starting XV from their last international test against Ireland, with Sarah Bonar return into the starting XV in the second row after being named as a replacement against Ireland in September and Exeter Chiefs’ Chloe Rollie again named at full-back.

Scotland will be looking for a third consecutive victory after wins against Spain and Ireland in the recent European World Cup Qualifiers.

Speaking ahead of the match, Easson is hoping that the clash can give his side some much-needed competitive minutes before they head off for the World Cup Repechage.

“Although this is an excellent opportunity to build momentum for the World Cup Qualifiers Repechage Tournament, we have worked very hard this week to prepare and concentrate for this Test match. Our focus is 100% on the game this weekend.”

Easson is expecting a challenging encounter though, after Japan beat the Scots in their most recent encounter.

“We have spoken this week about making sure we fully respect Japan. They have waited a long time to play again after beating us at Scotstoun in 2019 and they will be stronger for their game against Wales,” he acknowledged. “Japan are a very skilful team who like to play with tempo. They have some very talented individuals and I have no doubt that this will be a very exciting match.”

For Japan, they will be looking to improve upon their performance last weekend against Wales, with Exeter Chiefs pair Kato and Kobayashi starting at tighthead prop and inside centre respectively, after making an impact off the bench last weekend. The Japanese beat Scotland 24-20 when they last met in 2019, but last weekend’s clash with Wales was the first time in two years that the side had been able to play due to restrictions.

Japan Head Coach Lesley McKenzie is expecting “a fast and physical match” on Sunday, as Japan look to assert their style of play on the match against a Scotland side that have risen to an all-time high in the rankings.