Talking points as Scotland make six changes for Japan in WXV

There are returns for the vastly experienced quartet of Louise McMillan, Jade Konkel, Lisa Thomson and Rhona Lloyd, who each have over 50 caps. 

Prop Leah Bartlett was first choice during the Six Nations and is restored to the starting XV after sitting out last weekend's 19-0 win over Italy, while Alex Stewart returns in the number seven jersey in place of Rachel McLachlan. 

Here are five talking points from Easson's squad selection. 

Returning players show strength in depth

Easson has talked about building strength in depth ahead of the Rugby World Cup next year, where he hopes to lead Scotland out of the pool stages. The six players who come into this side have a combined 276 caps between them, which shows the experience Scotland have added over the past couple of years. 

That Easson can afford to have the outstanding duo of Evie Gallagher and Emma Orr on the bench this week speaks volumes about the strength of the current squad. 

Emma Orr - here in action against Fiji - will be on the bench for Scotland this weekend (Image: SNS) When asked about the experienced campaigners returning to his team, the Scotland head coach said: "It’s great to have such experience coming in, but there has been a change recently in that it doesn’t matter what has gone before it is all about current performance which will push everyone to be better and what is pushing us on to the next level."

Another new role for Meryl Smith

The Bristol Bears back has started at fly-half, inside centre and fullback for Scotland in 2024 so far, but will add another position to that list on Saturday when she takes over the 13 jersey from the aforementioned Orr. 

Easson explained: "Emma is a world-class 13. She has been playing so well, she is growing and getting better week after week and the frightening thing about Emma is she doesn’t realise how good she is.

The versatile Meryl Smith will wear the number 13 jersey for Scotland against Japan (Image: SNS) "We have also got a player in Meryl in terms of her skillset, her decision-making, her ability to play pretty much any position across the backline she is such a talent. To have a player like her is a real positive for the group."

Managing expectations for uncapped duo 

This match perhaps represented the best opportunity for uncapped duo Aila Ronald and Rachel Philipps making their Scotland debuts, but neither has made the matchday 23. 

Hooker Aila Ronald is one of two uncapped players in the Scotland squad (Image: SNS) Nevertheless, Easson was full of praise for the young duo. 

"These guys have been brilliant," he stated. 

"We managed expectations early with these guys, we knew this trip was an opportunity for them to develop long-term and to have a short sharp block of development over here.

"They have both trained really well, we have a real physical session on a Wednesday and both of them have been great.

"They see this as a huge opportunity to stick their hand up for next week and then potentially the Six Nations and World Cup as well."

Scotland won't go chasing points

Scotland missed out on a bonus point against Italy, while their points difference is 13 poorer than table-topping Australia, who Scotland face in round three.

But rather than worrying about making up that difference, Easson said Scotland's focus will be firmly on winning the match. 

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson (Image: SNS) "Win the game first, that is the most important thing," he stressed.

"We played Japan in the same competition last year and won 38-7 but it was 7-7 at half-time. You've really got to work hard to break them down. We'll have a plan and if we can build properly, the points will come."

But one eye already on Australia

The selection of Gallagher and Orr on the bench would suggest Scotland have one eye on Australia next weekend, and Easson admitted he and his coaching staff have already turned their attentions to the Wallaroos. 

Caitlyn Halse in action for Australia in their win over Wales (Image: World Rugby) While stating the team is taking a "game-by-game" approach, Easson continued: "From a player's point of view, they are not even looking at Australia but from a coaches point of view we've been on Australia for the last three days."

The teams

Scotland: Chloe Rollie, Rhona Lloyd, Meryl Smith, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Caity Mattinson; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Christine Belisle, Louise McMillan, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (captain), Alex Stewart, Jade Konkel 

Replacements: Elis Martin, Anne Young, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Evie Gallagher, Leia Brebner-Holden, Emma Orr, Lucia Scott