Five talking points from Scotland team to play Wales

The starting forward pack is the strongest available to the Scotland head coach and sees Sarah Bonar return from the injury she suffered against the same opposition in the Six Nations.

While Easson has opted for the tried-and-tested to start the match, he has selected two uncapped players on the bench. Scrum-half Leia Brebner-Holden and versatile Lucia Scott could make their debuts if called upon. 

Here are five talking points from the team announcement

Settled combinations

The Scotland boss has talked about the need to keep improving the depth of his squad, but he's opted for his first-choice pack this weekend. 

That means the front-row trio of Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon and Christine Belisle and the back-row of captain Rachel Malcolm, Alex Stewart and Evie Gallagher are retained. 

Wassell's absence for medical reasons opens the door for Fi McIntosh to start in the second row alongside the returning Bonar. 

Easson said: "We've got five very good second rows. They've all got different strengths and Fi [McIntosh] is someone who has trained well over the summer, is a very good lineout caller and good under pressure. Her and Sarah Bonar is a good blend."

Experienced pair sit this one out

Rhona Lloyd joined the camp late having been given time off after missing out on the Olympics, while Lisa Thomson became a two-time Olympian in Paris.

Both were not considered for selection this week, but are expected to come into contention for the visit of Fiji next weekend. 

In Thomson's absence, Meryl Smith will start at inside centre and brings a different threat to the midfield alongside her new Bristol Bears team-mate Emma Orr. 

Easson said: "Meryl is a very good rugby player who did a lot for us last year - she played at 10, 12 and 15 - but I think midfield is where we can get a lot out of her."

Louise McMillan straight into the squad

The omission of 53-cap McMillan was the stand-out selection when Easson confirmed his 30-strong squad for WXV last week. However, she is now back in the mix - albeit for the Vodafone Series only at this stage. 

McMillan now finds herself in the matchday 23 having been named on the bench as Easson moves to a 6/2 bench split.

Opportunities await

While McMillan and Jade Konkel have both won more than 50 caps, Brebner-Holden and Scott - who is primarily a fullback but can also cover the midfield - could be set for their international debuts on Friday. 

Both impressed with the Scotland U20 side in the age-grade Six Nations during the summer. 

Easson added: "To have two youngsters potentially getting their first caps is excellent."

Power from the bench as Konkel returns

Scotland know they are in for a physical battle on Friday, and Easson has opted to bring an extra forward onto the replacements bench to combat the visitors' power game. 

Jade Konkel is back having missed the majority of the past 12 months with the national team through an ankle injury, and she will bring plenty of experience and no shortage of physicality. 

The teams

Scotland: Chloe Rollie; Francesca McGhie, Emma Orr, Meryl Smith, Coreen Grant; Helen Nelson, Mairi McDonald; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Christine Belisle, Fiona McIntosh, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm, Alex Stewart, Evie Gallagher.

Replacements: Elis Martin, Anne Young, Elliann Clarke, Louise McMillan, Eva Donaldson, Jade Konkel, Leia Brebner-Holden, Lucia Scott.

Wales: Jenny Hesketh; Catherine Richards, Meg Webb, Kerin Lake, Jasmine Joyce; Robyn Wilkins, Keira Bevan (captain): Gwenllian Pyrs, Molly Reardon, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, Gwennan Hopkins.

Replacements: Rosie Carr, Maisie Davies, Donna Rose Alaw Pyrs, Alisha Butchers, Sian Jones, Lleucu George, Nel Metcalfe.