Rachel McLachlan and her Scotland team mates know that Italy are going to come at them “firing on all cylinders” on Saturday in the Women’s Six Nations round three clash at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma (4.30pm UK time, live on BBC)
The Scots have travelled to Italy still hurting from the 84-7 reverse against England at Murrayfield last week, but they do have a win over Wales from round one in their back pocket to see them sitting fourth in the standings.
Italy are sixth having lost to France and Ireland in the tournament so far and they did not have the best of Rugby World Cup experiences last year.
However, they did beat Scotland twice in 2025 and, on home soil, they are a tough nut to crack.
Edinburgh-born back-row McLachlan, the 27-year-old Montpellier player who will win her 58th cap here, has come into the Scotland starting XV for this crucial clash before a week off along with Demi Swann, Eva Donaldson, Lucia Scott and Francesca McGhie while Louise McMillan and Rachel Philipps have been added to the bench.
“It’s always a tough game in Italy, we’ll never overlook them as opposition,” McLachlan said.
“Obviously, they’ve had a hard couple of weeks so they will come out firing on all cylinders and look to take the game to us.
“We’re not shying away from that challenge and they are a quality side, but we’ve got confidence behind us in that we’re getting there as a group.
“I have confidence in us that we can go out and put in a good performance.
“Historically in the last few years we have had pretty good outcomes against Italy so we are definitely targeting the match and I think they will be targeting it as one they can win too.
“For us, it’s about putting our best foot forward and putting in a performance we can be proud of.”
Meanwhile, Rhona Lloyd’s try versus England in round two has won Try of the Round.
- The other Saturday matches in round three of the Women’s Six Nations see England play Wales at Ashton Gate in Bristol (2.15pm, live on BBC) and Ireland heading to the Stade Marcel-Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand to play France (8.10pm UK time, live on BBC).
Rachel McLachlan is pictured after last week’s England game – thanks to Scottish Rugby
The Women’s Six Nations is here and the 2026 event runs from April 11 to May 17 and, between April 6 and May 20, GH Media will be covering Scotland’s campaign and the wider tournament – keep an eye out for content and thanks to everyone who supports GH Media’s work within women’s rugby