There’s something about an underdog story that captures the soul of sport. And while history may not favour Scotland ahead of their clash with England this Saturday, the occasion brings more than just statistics — it brings opportunity.
England haven’t lost to Scotland since 1999. That’s 25 years of dominance. A 23-match unbeaten run across all competitions. The reigning Six Nations champions head into Round 4 having secured three bonus-point wins, top of the table and seemingly unshakeable. But cracks -however faint – have started to appear.
John Mitchell’s Red Roses were slow to get going last week in Cork, leading just 7-5 at half-time against Ireland before turning it on in the second half. For a team of England’s calibre, that kind of start raises questions. Are they struggling to find rhythm across the full 80 minutes?
Bryan Easson’s side are reeling from a disappointing loss to Italy – a match many thought they should win. Losing captain Rachel Malcolm to a head injury has only added to the challenge, but the return of Jade Konkel at No. 8 and the leadership of experienced fly-half Helen Nelson provide a much-needed backbone. Nelson knows what it takes to grind out performances, and her partnership with Caity Mattinson will be crucial to keeping composure and control against a relentless England side.
Chloe Rollie spoke on the loss against Italy last week saying: “we need to watch the Italy game back and see what was going on and if it was moments of switch off or if it was moments of just not doing our roles right.
“We need to look at those things and get them squeaky clean for next week and you know, if we can get ourselves in a better position after the game against England and go to the Ireland game with a lot of confidence and take that on.”
It’s a special day for Rachel McLachlan too, who earns her 50th cap in the back row. She’s a relentless presence at the breakdown and will need to be at her disruptive best to slow England’s multi-dimensional attack.
Becky Boyd, after a standout performance against Italy, retains her place in the second row and will be key in setting the physical tone. And watch out for Chloe Rollie and Francesca McGhie out wide – both electric in open play and capable of turning scraps into sparks.
Expectations for England weigh heavy, especially with a home World Cup looming and perfection being the benchmark. Scotland have the freedom to play without fear, to throw everything at the champions.
A result might feel unlikely, but a good performance? That’s well within reach. And if Scotland can string together phases, stay defensively strong and make England uncomfortable, it won’t just be a win for the scoreboard – it’ll be a statement of intent.
15- Chloe Rollie – Trailfinders Women
14- Rhona Lloyd – Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais
13- Emma Orr – Bristol Bears
12- Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women
11- Francesca McGhie – Leicester Tigers
10- Helen Nelson (Captain) – Loughborough Lightning
9- Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women
1- Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning
2- Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears
3- Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears
4- Becky Boyd – Loughborough Lightning
5- Sarah Bonar – Harlequins
6- Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears
7- Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (49 caps)
8- Jade Konkel – Harlequins
Replacements
16- Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning
17- Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers
18- Molly Poolman –Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC
19- Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars
20- Gemma Bell – Gloucester Hartpury/Hartpury University
21- Rhea Clarke – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh
22- Rachel Philipps – Sale Sharks
23- Lucia Scott – Gloucester-Hartpury/Hartpury University
