WXV2: Scotland expect 'very physical and abrasive' tournament debut against South Africa

Scotland will face a "very physical and abrasive" introduction to the new WXV2 tournament at the hands of South Africa, says head coach Bryan Easson.

His side face the competition hosts in Stellenbosch on Friday before subsequent group games with United States and Japan.

"We know what to expect," Easson said. "We played them in two tests in 2019."

Loughborough Lightning lock Emma Wassell returns from injury and centre Lisa Thomson from GB sevens duty.

Saracens second row Louise McMillan and Bristol Bears' Meryl Smith drop to the bench following last month's 36-5 win over Spain.

"They are influential players," Easson said of Thomson and Wassell. "They bring a bit of experience.

"Especially when you're playing South Africa in South Africa, you need players who know what that feels like. They are both physical players."

Scotland's match against South Africa is the second of two group fixtures being held on Friday at Danie Craven Stadium in the new second tier of women's international rugby.

Easson's side then face USA on 20 October and Japan a week later, both at Athlone Stadium, Cape Town.

"WXV gives us the opportunity to show the progress we're making," he said. "We put in three good performances against Italy, Ireland and Spain in our last matches. We want to continue that momentum."

The team finishing bottom of the six-team group will be relegated to WXV3, but Scotland's head coach insisted: "We are going to look at performances rather than outcomes. If we put in good performances then the outcomes will be positive."

"Smart mouthguards", which help monitor potential concussion incidents, will be worn for the first time in an elite tournament and Easson said the players have embraced the change.

"We have the chip in the gumshield - we have a team of people monitoring it," he explained. "It gives players that bit of knowledge that anything will be picked up.

"Anything that looks after the health of the players is the right thing from my point of view."

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), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm (capt, Loughborough Lightning), Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks), Evie Gallagher (Worcester Warriors).

Replacements: Elis Martin (Leicester Tigers), Anne Young (Sale Sharks), Lisa Cockburn (Worcester Warriors), Louise McMillan (Saracens), Jade Konkel (Harlequins), Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors), Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears), Liz Musgrove (Ealing Trailfinders).