Clarke & Gallagher start for Scotland against Canada

Scrum-half Rhea Clarke will make her first start when Scotland begin their WXV Series campaign against Canada in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Evie Gallagher returns on the openside flank for her first appearance since last year’s World Cup.

She will partner captain Rachel Malcolm, who leads the team from the blindside, with Becky Boyd taking the number eight shirt for the match which will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer (kick-off 16:10 BST).

Shona Campbell is selected on the left wing, joining the experienced pair of Rhona Lloyd and Chloe Rollie in the back three.

Glasgow fly-half Ceitidh Ainsworth and Exeter full-back Katie Buchanan, both uncapped, are among the replacements chosen by interim head coach Dave Butcher.

Second row Adelle Ferrie is also on the bench, having replaced the injured Alex Stewart in the squad.

World Cup runners-up Canada have won seven of their eight meetings with Scotland, including a 40-19 success in the group stage of the tournament last September.

After taking on Canada, Scotland have Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

Scotland team to face Canada

Scotland: C Rollie, R Lloyd, R Phillips, M Smith, S Campbell, R Clarke; L Bartlett, L Skeldon, E Clarke, E Wassell, H Cunningham, R Malcolm, E Gallagher, B Boyd.

Replacements: A Sutcliffe, A young, M Poolman, E Donaldson, A Ferrie, C Ainsworth, H Ramsay, K Buchanan.

Related internet links

• Scottish Rugby Union