Scotland have made two changes for the final match of their Women’s Six Nations campaign, with number eight Emily Coubrough and wing Shona Champbell recalled for Sunday’s trip to Ireland.
After an opening victory against Wales, Sione Fukofuka’s side have been beaten comprehensively by England, Italy and France and sit fifth in the standings.
Ireland are third, with two wins from their four matches, behind the two unbeaten sides – England and France.
Over 30,000 fans will be at the Aviva Stadium and the home side will be favourites to overcome a Scotland team who have endured a disappointing tournament.
Head coach Fukofuka wants his team to embrace another landmark occasion for women’s rugby and finish the tournament on a positive note.
“We’ve been under a bit of pressure over the last few weeks,” Fukofuka said.
“Obviously injuries have been challenging, but we do have an opportunity at a packed out Aviva to go out there and play with a bit of freedom and express ourselves and finish off the tournament on a high.
“We’ve spoken about taking that energy in and allowing that to fuel us as well, because we see there’ll be a number of Irish fans, but at the same time it’s a celebration of women’s rugby and we want to play our part in that game.”
Coubrough replaces Holland Bogan in the pack as Becky Boyd moves to blindside flanker, while Campbell comes in for Francesca McGhie, who is not involved after coming off injured against France.
Hooker Lana Skeldon is also unavailable due to a neck injury and centre Lisa Thomson is not yet fit to return to action after a long-term Achilles problem despite linking up with the squad last week
“Unfortunately Fran pulled up with a little bit of soreness after the weekend and the decision was made that she wouldn’t be available for this week,” Fukofuka said.
“Lisa has tried everything to get back for this game. She was pushing the timelines pretty tight and did everything she could to get herself ready. But the reality is she wasn’t physically declared fit.”
Fly-half Helen Nelson continues to captain the side in the absence of Rachel Malcolm.
