Scotland 'still in the fight' at the Rugby World Cup

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson is looking for his players to add a clinical edge to their passion and determination as they bid to cause a Women’s World Cup upset against hosts New Zealand.

Easson’s side have to beat the Black Ferns in Whangarei on Saturday morning to keep alive their hopes of progression after agonising defeats in their first two Pool A games.

Scotland suffered an 18-15 defeat to Wales in their tournament opener when Keira Bevan kicked an 84th-minute penalty to clinch victory.

They responded by taking a 12-0 half-time lead against an Australia side that went on to score 14 unanswered second-half points despite having two players sent off late on.

New Zealand will be a step up given the hosts have scored 97 points in their opening two wins.

Easson, who has brought in Edinburgh University’s Shona Campbell for the injured Chloe Rollie in his only change, said: “Last weekend’s result was a tough one to take but I can’t fault the passion, determination and belief the squad displayed against Australia.

“We’ve had a really good review this week and we will be looking to make sure we are clinical in executing our game plan against the Black Ferns.

“We’ve got two losing bonus points against two good sides and we are now looking to push on and show everyone that we are still in the fight.”