Bryan Easson has announced an extended training squad of 32 in preparation for WXV2 in Cape Town:
Forwards
Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers), Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears), Lisa Cockburn (Warriors), Eva Donaldson (Leicester Tigers), Evie Gallagher (Warriors), Jade Konkel (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm (captain, Loughborough Lightning), Elis Martin (Leicester Tigers), Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks), Louise McMillan (Saracens), Lana Skeldon (Warriors), Nikki Simpson (Garioch), Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning), Anne Young (Sale Sharks)
(16)
Backs
Beth Blacklock (Saracens), Shona Campbell (GB 7s), Coreen Grant (Saracens), Caity Mattinson (Warriors), Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning), Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers), Holly McIntyre (University of Edinburgh), Rhona Lloyd (GB 7s / Stade Bordelais), Liz Musgrove (Trailfinders), Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning), Emma Orr (Heriots / Biggar), Chloe Rollie (Loughborough Lightning), Eilidh Sinclair (Exeter Chiefs), Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears), Lisa Thomson (GB 7s)
(16)
The use of the word ‘extended’ is interesting. It implies a later reduction in numbers. How many players do head coaches deem sensible for a three-match series, played at weekly intervals? There is the same problem as for the World Cup: reserve players can’t fly in overnight and trot out on to the field the next morning.
Once more Easson lists the same number of backs as forwards. That cannot possibly be sensible. The lack of back-up forward power is worrying: why otherwise would he run counter to every other nation taking part? For them, the only detail is to decide the precise balance between the two sets; forwards must always outnumber backs.
A second concern is the lack of Scotland-based players; just three have not (yet) joined an English club, though the three GB 7s players are a welcome reinforcement. Of course the Scottish administrators will argue that experience of the Prem 15s/PWR merely strengthens their chances, but, as with Ireland and Wales, the central task is to build a native club structure to take on the world.
Where else does the next generation come from?
The good news is the return to fitness of important players: Lisa Cockburn, Jenny Maxwell, Sarah Bonar and Emma Wassell all return. The presence of Jade Konkel is vital for the Scots’ well-being.
They can look forward to a six-week block of training sessions – ah, bliss! Then comes an international against Spain on the last day of September. As Las Leonas were reduced to WXV3 when they lost to Italy, they may prove a sensible choice of opposition. But it’s a tricky matter deciding who to meet in a friendly.
Scotland’s three opponents in WXV2, USA, Japan and South Africa, present them with fascinatingly different challenges. Their current rankings, 7th, 11th and 12th respectively, sit neatly either side of the Scots’ 9th, but the Boks have home advantage. USA have found winning a tough challenge in recent months, but Japan will provide a real test for the Scots, their speed and organisation are now heightened by the arrival of Simon Middleton to advise them.
Easson is full of confidence after recent 6 Nations performances, the return of those injured players and a coaching team reinforced by Matt Banahan, who will take charge of the backs.
Above all, the Scots have the advantage of a full programme of competitive rugby every year.
