Scotland unchanged for title bid against Japan

Sarah Bonar returns from injury and starts on the bench

Scotland Women head coach Bryan Easson has named an unchanged side for Friday's final match against Japan in the inaugural WXV2 competition.

Scotland and Italy, who have a better points difference and face the USA in their final match, both have 10 points from their two games.

Sarah Bonar and Coreen Grant are on the bench after their return from injury.

Harlequins lock Bonar and Saracens centre Grant will be looking to make their tournament debuts.

Japan lost 28-15 to Italy before a 32-10 win over Samoa and Easson has "been impressed" by Friday's opponents.

"They had a really physical test against Samoa last week and they fronted up well," he said. "They provide a different threat to South Africa and the USA as we are expecting them to attack with width and their kick attack has been impressive as well.

"It's fantastic to have Sarah Bonar and Coreen Grant available for the match after unfortunately being ruled out of the first two games due to injury. Sarah was outstanding in our autumn Test against Spain and Coreen can provide threats in attack and defence, so it gives us options for this Friday."

With no promotion from the second tier until 2026, Scotland and Italy, with two bonus-point wins from their two games, are playing for pride at the top while Samoa and hosts South Africa face one another looking to avoid relegation.

Scotland: Chloe Rollie (Loughborough Lightning); Rhona Lloyd (GB 7s/Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais), Emma Orr (Heriot's/Biggar), Lisa Thomson (GB 7s), Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers); Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning), Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs); Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers), Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors), Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning), Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning), Louise McMillan (Saracens), Rachel Malcolm (captain, Loughborough Lightning), Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks), Evie Gallagher (Worcester Warriors).

Replacements: Elis Martin (Leicester Tigers), Anne Young (Sale Sharks), Lisa Cockburn (Worcester Warriors), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Jade Konkel (Harlequins), Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors), Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears), Coreen Grant (Saracens).