Scotland make front-row decision ahead of third Wallaroos clash

Interim Scotland head coach Dave Butcher has made three changes to his starting XV for their final WXV Global Series match against Australia in Canberra this Friday.

Hooker Aicha Sutcliffe will make her first start in a Scotland jersey, lock Sarah Bonar is back in action in the second row after recovering from illness and Chloe Rollie returns to the starting line-up at full-back.

Glasgow Warriors duo of centre Nicole Flynn and tighthead prop Imogen Spence are also set to make their debuts from the bench.

This clash marks a third WXV Global Series Test against the Wallaroos, who claimed a 30-10 victory at the Hive Stadium in September and overpowered them 56-12 at Accor Stadium last week.

Rhona Lloyd and Katie Buchanan, who dotted down for her first try for Scotland against the Wallaroos last week, retain their places on the right and left wings, with Chloe Rollie completing the back three.

Vice-captain Helen Nelson moves to inside centre and is partnered by Meryl Smith on the outside.

Leia Brebner-Holden keeps her place at scrum-half and links up with Hannah Ramsay for the half-back partnership.

In the front row, Anne Young and Elliann Clarke start at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively, alongside Aicha Sutcliffe at hooker.

Holland Bogan partners Bonar in the second row, whilst the back row remains unchanged as captain Rachel Malcolm leads at blindside flanker, with Rachel McLachlan starting on the openside. Evie Gallagher will line up at No. 8 once more.

On the bench, Butcher has opted for a five-three split of forwards and backs, with Lana Skeldon, Leah Bartlett, Hollie Cunningham, Eva Donaldson and potential debutant Spence named as forward replacements, whilst Ceitidh Ainsworth, the uncapped Flynn, and Lucia Scott provide backline cover.

Scotland matchday 23 v Australia | WXV Global Series 2026

15. Chloe Rollie – Edinburgh Rugby (90)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks (70)
13. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (31)
12. Helen Nelson – Vice-captain – Trailfinders Women (84)
11. Katie Buchanan – Exeter Chiefs (4)
10. Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby (6)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Edinburgh Rugby (22)
1. Anne Young – Glasgow Warriors (27)
2. Aicha Sutcliffe – Glasgow Warriors (6)
3. Elliann Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (33)
4. Holland Bogan – Glasgow Warriors (8)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (53)
6. Rachel Malcolm – Captain – Trailfinders Women (68)
7. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (61)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (46)

Replacements
16. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (91)
17. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (58)
18. Imogen Spence – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
19. Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (10)
20. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (30)
21. Ceitidh Ainsworth – Glasgow Warriors (4)
22. Nicole Flynn – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
23. Lucia Scott – Glasgow Warriors (12)