Rachel Malcolm says receiving her 50th Scotland cap from her father Walter topped off a great Saturday following the win against Italy, stating it was “one of the best moments I’ll have in my life”.

The captain, 33, typically led by example from the back-row as the Scots got their WXV 2 title defence off to a winning start at a wet and windy DHL Stadium in Cape Town by defeating the Italians 19-0.

The crowd inside the iconic stadium was not large, but the Malcolm clan -including parents and brother James who previously played for the Warriors - could be seen and heard up the stands having made the trip to South Africa from Glasgow to see the skipper reach the half-century milestone.

“It was quite funny when I ran out first and saw a massive banner with my face on as it was not what I expected, but my family have always got my back and it was great that they could be here to share this moment with me,” Malcolm, the Loughborough Lightning player, said.

Rachel Malcolm's family were in the stands on Saturday in Cape TownRachel Malcolm's family were in the stands on Saturday in Cape Town (Image: Scottish Rugby) “This is much more for them than it is for me because I wouldn’t have got to 50 caps without them.

“After the game my parents were kindly allowed into the dressing room and to have my dad present my cap to me is probably one of the best moments I’ll have in my life and something I’ll always remember.

“He has been my biggest inspiration and role model over the years and he has supported me and been a constant through my life and through this rugby journey.

“Since I was 11 years old and started travelling to play hockey [her sport before taking up rugby aged 24] he has hardly ever not been on a touchline watching me.

"I feel super fortunate to have his support, my mum’s support, my siblings’ support and the support of team mates and friends.

“Before the cap presentation vice-captain Nelly [Helen Nelson] said some really nice words, while the day before [at the shirt presentation] on Friday night it was phenomenal.

“As much as it probably seems ridiculous given that I am often talking to the press a lot or talking to the playing group and delivering messages when people reach milestones, I hate being at the centre of it when things are focused on me.

“But it was so nice and very special, the thought that went into everything the girls did for me was amazing. They made me a sentimental poem that made me a bit emotional and summed up my life to this point and not just my rugby career and they also wrote me a lovely song.

“And then I got a lot of heartfelt videos, messages and cards from other people and I was honestly overwhelmed, but I felt the support going into the Italy match and I was very keen to make sure we got a win.

"I have never felt more loved and I think that is what makes being part of this team and being part of this sport so special - that feeling of support is something else and it is something I have for 50 caps and hopefully I’ll have it for many more.”

After the game and the cap presentation Malcolm said she was going to, rightly, “enjoy a beer” with her team-mates and family, but now minds have already switched onto the next challenge.

Scotland will take on Japan in game two of three in their WXV 2 campaign at the Athlone Sports Stadium in Cape Town this coming Saturday at 1pm UK time and know a victory, ideally with a bonus point, is what is required to keep their title bid going.

Last year in the same competition at the same venue against the same opponents Scotland won 38-7 and Malcolm said:  “Watching their game against South Africa on Friday [a 31-24 loss for Japan where they picked up two bonus points] it’s clear that Japan like to play an expansive game. 

Chloe Rollie in action when Scotland played Japan in Edinburgh in 2021Chloe Rollie in action when Scotland played Japan in Edinburgh in 2021 (Image: SNS)

"They will look to use the ball at every opportunity, but we have played them quite a bit of late and I think we have a recipe to compete with that.

“Last year it took us 40 minutes to break them down and I imagine it’ll be similar this time around.

"They’ll want to get off to a fast start, but our defensive structures are going from strength-to-strength and if we get them right then we can build from there and play our own game.

"By doing that from the start we can tire them out and create spaces for our own dangerous players and if we play like we know we can then I think we have got a really good chance.”