Whenever Scotland women take on France minds are often cast back to the excellent 13-13 draw versus the same opponents at Scotstoun in 2020 and the famous 10-8 win over them at Lasswade’s Hawthornden ground in 2010.
Outside centre Lucy Millard, Scotland women’s top try scorer of all-time with 37, scored the two tries to get the win 15 years ago, the second one in the 79th minute. She also played full-back during her stellar career.
And, ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations clash between the two nations in La Rochelle, Millard, who is Scotland cap number 89 and won over 50 caps, recounted: “The weather was horrendous, thick fog and driving rain, but the loyal family and friends who turned up to watch were not deterred. The weather conditions definitely worked more in our favour and the shared sense of happiness, surprise and relief when we managed to get ahead and win is something I still remember.
“The camaraderie I experienced right from the start of my international career was really special. In terms of the set-up, it was in the early stages of having proper strength and conditioning programmes in place and I remember hearing on a number of occasions from the older players that we were lucky we didn’t have to buy our own shorts and socks anymore, indeed they may have reminded the younger players of this quite regularly…!
“There are so many memories that come to mind. My 50th cap in Ireland was really special as my mum came across to watch and was treated to the dubious delights of the team singing – mainly appropriate – songs on the bus afterwards.
“The World Cup in England in 2010 was incredible, playing against great players from other countries and testing yourself against the best was a challenging, rewarding and humbling experience.
“One highlight has to be playing England at Netherdale in Gala and scoring a try after gathering the ball when it bounced off the bar following a penalty attempt by the legendary Paula Chalmers. I’m sure she continues to claim it was a planned move!
“In terms of try scoring, I had no idea of the number of tries I had scored at the time, but it is really nice to think back on how amazing the feeling is when you cross the line for your country knowing you are helping your team.”
Millard’s 37 tries have her eight ahead of Donna Kennedy in the standings with current players Rhona Lloyd and Chloe Rollie on 25 and Lana Skeldon on 18.
She grew up in Wick and started playing rugby when she was at primary school.
“It was pretty rare for girls to play and at most of the Mini rugby tournaments me and my two friends were the only girls playing,” the now 41-year-old who is a solicitor who practices in the area of family law and works in Edinburgh and lives in Berwick-upon Tweed said.
“I think I enjoyed the combination of the speed, skill and the contact element of rugby, it is pretty unique in what it demands of you.
“I played throughout high school and then moved to Edinburgh to go to university when I was 17. I joined Murrayfield Wanderers and then after a couple of seasons I was lucky enough to be called up fairly last minute for an away game to France in 2003 for my Scotland debut.
“I still keep an eye on the results when the national team are playing and it is really good to see how much the game has progressed in terms of professionalism and resources.”
Scotland squad to play France: Chloe Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie; Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Anne Young, Lana Skeldon, Elliann Clarke, Hollie Cunningham, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (C), Rachel McLachlan, Jade Konkel. Subs: Elis Martin, Leah Bartlett, Molly Poolman, Adelle Ferrie, Becky Boyd, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Evie Wills.
The Guinness Women’s Six Nations runs from March 22 to April 26 and, after a trip to France in round two on March 29, Scotland are at Hive Stadium in round three versus Italy on April 13 – get tickets for the two Scotland remaining home games here.
Lucy Millard is pictured during her Scotland career
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