Scotland make six changes ahead of their final warm-up clash against Ireland, with 22-year-old stand-off Hannah Ramsay set to lead a fresh-look half-back partnership in Cork.
The final test before battle begins.
Scotland’s women’s rugby team head to Virgin Media Park in Cork this Saturday for their last dress rehearsal before the Rugby World Cup—and it’s a big one. Facing a physical Irish side away from home, head coach Bryan Easson has made six changes to the XV that beat Italy last weekend, with Hannah Ramsay earning her first international start at fly-half.
First Start, Big Stage: Ramsay Steps Up
Ramsay made her debut just last week against Italy. Now, with just three weeks to go before the World Cup opener, she’s trusted to steer the ship in the pivotal No. 10 jersey.
She’ll pair up with scrum-half Caity Mattinson, forming a brand-new half-back axis that suggests Scotland are still testing combinations before the serious stuff begins.
It’s a bold call—but one that reflects Ramsay’s rising stock in Scottish rugby.
For a player just out of her teens until recently, stepping into this kind of pressure test says a lot. Mattinson brings the experience; Ramsay, the fresh legs and vision.
One sentence? She’s got a lot on her shoulders—but she looks ready for it.
Shuffling the Deck: New Faces and Key Switches
Scotland’s backline sees both tweaks and familiar partnerships.
Chloe Rollie returns at full-back, pushing Lucia Scott to the wing. That move reunites Rollie with midfield pairing Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr, a duo that has already shown some bite in attack.
Out wide, Scott and Rhona Lloyd take wing responsibilities—speed, agility, and plenty of edge expected there.
In the pack, Anne Young comes in at loosehead, flanked by hooker Lana Skeldon and tighthead Elliann Clarke. It’s a beefy front row, designed to match Ireland’s set-piece muscle.
And there’s another notable adjustment—Rachel Malcolm, Scotland’s skipper, shifts into the second row to partner Emma Wassell. It’s Wassell’s second game back since returning from injury. Malcolm’s move frees up the back row, where Rachel McLachlan slides across to blindside flanker, making space for Alex Stewart to start at openside.
Evie Gallagher, who dotted down twice against Italy, stays locked in at number 8.
Quick recap of the back-row shuffle:
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McLachlan ➝ Blindside
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Stewart ➝ Openside
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Gallagher ➝ No. 8
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Malcolm ➝ Lock
It’s a fluid group. And it’s designed to counter an Irish team that loves a breakdown battle.
Who’s on the Bench? Some Big Returns
Scotland’s bench is loaded with options—some returning, some waiting for another shot.
Beth Blacklock is back in the matchday 23 after missing Test rugby since the 2023 Six Nations. She’ll be joined in the backline cover by scrum-half Leia Brebner-Holden and winger Coreen Grant.
In the forwards, Elis Martin—who scored against Italy—returns as a front-row option alongside Leah Bartlett and Molly Poolman.
Then there’s the loose forward depth:
• Adelle Ferrie
• Eva Donaldson
Both offer solid coverage and can play multiple roles. Exactly what you want on a Test bench.
Final Tune-Up Before the World Stage
Saturday’s match in Cork kicks off at 2pm local time (IST) and marks the last opportunity for Scotland to fine-tune combinations before they open their World Cup campaign against Wales in Salford on 23 August.
The stakes? Not quite life-or-death. But high enough.
Easson and his staff are still refining things. Who clicks in the midfield? Is Ramsay ready for the pressure cooker? Can the back row maintain their form against a more physical Irish side?
Scotland’s Pool B schedule at the Rugby World Cup:
| Fixture | Opponent | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool B – Game 1 | Wales | Salford, ENG | Saturday, Aug 23 |
| Pool B – Game 2 | South Africa | Salford | Thursday, Aug 28 |
| Pool B – Game 3 | France | Salford | Tuesday, Sept 2 |
That’s three games in 11 days. Depth and fitness will be key.
Which makes this final hit-out all the more important.
Looking for Rhythm, Not Just Results
This isn’t just about winning on Saturday. Though a win would certainly help confidence. It’s about rhythm. Chemistry. Nailing down roles.
Some players—like Wassell and Blacklock—are working back into Test match sharpness. Others, like Ramsay, are earning trust under the lights.
There’s a quiet energy around this Scotland side. Less hype. More hard work.
And maybe—just maybe—something special brewing for the weeks ahead.
