Match Preview – Scotland vs Canada

Canada close out their four-match European tour with a Tuesday evening clash against Scotland at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow. It’s been a long time since the two opponents last squared off, having not done so since they played twice at the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The 11th-ranked Scots were well beaten by Italy earlier this month but have had a couple weeks to work on their deficiencies. Only two changes have been made by coach Shade Monro, both in the back row. Jake Konkel is restored at No8 and there is a first test start for opensid flanker Rachel McLachlan.

Meanwhile Sandro Fiorino has opted for mass changes to his Canada team who are playing their fourth match in only 10 days. Only five players that started in the win over Wales do so against Scotland, four coming in the pack.

Brittany Kassil and Olivia DeMerchant form an all-World Cup front row alongside captain Laura Russell. Tyson Beukeboom and Ngalula Fuamba are the new second row, and Cindy Nelles moves from lock to her preferred No8 position.

Only Alex Tessier continues in the backs, but she too switches positions going from inside center to flyhalf. Brianna Miller is recalled as her halfback partner, and the new midfield combination is Tausani Levale and Anais Holly. Levale is making her run-on debut.

There are test debuts for wingers Emily Samek and Alysha Corrigan, both of whom started in the win over England Academy last Wednesday. Irene Patrinos is handed her first test start at fullback after her impressive kicking display in the same game.

Two uncapped players on the bench. Second row Abby Duguid and loose forward Chanelle Edwards-Challenger were late call-ups to the original traveling squad due to injury and are now set to earn their first test caps.

Despite the mass of changes Canada should be considered heavy favorites in Glasgow. Scotland have only ever beaten Canada once – in 1994 – and the 38-0 loss to Italy does not inspire confidence. Look for Canada to end their tour with a third consecutive win by a comfortable margin.

Kickoff is set for 7pm local time, 2pm Eastern. A live stream will be available on BBC Alba.

SCOTLAND
1 Lisa Cockburn, 2 Lana Skeldon, 3 Megan Kennedy, 4 Emma Wassell, 5 Nicola Howat, 6 Siobhan Cattigan, 7 Rachael McLachan, 8 Jade Konkel, 9 Mhairi Grieve, 10 Lisa Martin, 11 Abi Evans, 12 Helen Nelson, 13 Lisa Thomson, 14 Lauren Harris, 15 Chloe Rollie

Replacements: 16 Jodie Rettie, 17 Siobhan McMillan, 18 Mairi Forsyth, 19 Lucy Winter, 20 Louise McMillan, 21 Jenny Maxwell, 22 Bry Nelson, 23 Annabel Sergeant

CANADA
1 Brittany Kassil, 2 Laura Russell (capt.), 3 Olivia DeMerchant, 4 Ngalula Fuamba, 5 Tyson Beukeboom, 6 Sara Svoboda, 7 Janna Slevinsky, 8 Cindy Nelles, 9 Brianna Miller, 10 Alex Tessier, 11 Emily Samek, 12 Tausani Levale, 13 Anaïs Holly, 14 Alysha Corrigan, 15 Irene Patrinos

Replacements: 16 Gillian Boag, 17 Maude Laliberté, 18 DaLeaka Menin, 19 Abby Duguid, 20 Chanelle Edwards-Challenger, 21 Lori Josephson, 22 Paige Farries, 23 Elissa Alarie

Date: Tuesday, November 27
Kick-Off: 19:00 local (11:00 Pacific, 14:00 Eastern)
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
Referee: Beatrice Benvenuti (FIR)
Assistants: tba
TMO: Claire Hodnett (RFU)
Broadcasts: BBC Alba