Gary Heatly in Exeter
Sarah Bonar has been hailed as a “legend” as she prepares to earn a milestone 50th cap for Scotland versus Canada on Saturday in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool B decider.
The 31-year-old Harlequins second-row has had her ups and downs with injury over the years since her 2016 debut, but when she is fit she is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
And, ahead of the Canada match at Sandy Park in Exeter (noon, live on BBC Two), skipper Rachel Malcolm said: “Sarah Bonar is a legend.
“She is someone who means the world to me.
“She’s someone that I have been very fortunate to follow the exact same journey as. We started rugby at the same time, we got our first caps at the exact same second when we were subbed onto the pitch together, we’ve lived together and we’ve been through thick and thin together.
“So I think for me to see someone go through some of the tough times that she’s had, particularly in recent years, and get to this point is amazing.
“The way that that girl approaches serious injury is phenomenal. She’s barely been able to train until recently before the World Cup and you just would have no idea because she’s the person that’s driving the energy on the pitch even when she’s not on it.
“She’s the person that’s having a joke and a laugh and getting people’s spirits up in those tough, dark times – she has boundless energy.
“Sarah is without a doubt the most hardworking person I’ve ever come across and I think her background coming from rowing and netball has helped her.
“Her work rate and her tenacity around what she wants to achieve and what she’s willing to do to achieve it is honestly what makes her one of the best professionals that I’ve ever played with but she is just the most incredible human.
“She’s selfless to a fault, she’s so much fun to be around and she’s just an absolute lucky star for us because we definitely would not be in the position we are without Bonz.”
Emma Orr said: “She literally lights up the room when she walks into it. She’s just the ultimate hype queen at training as well.
“On the pitch she’s just a workhorse. She inspires all of us, drives us all to get off the line and keep doing our job. She just will never give up, basically.”
“I’m so, so excited for her and proud of her for getting to 50 caps.”
Lisa Cockburn said: “Sarah Bonar is just a bundle of energy. We were talking last night, ‘What dog would you be?’ and she’s a golden retriever – so friendly and loving and energetic.
“She is one of the best hype girls, and she’s a fantastic second-row and a fantastic person to have in a lineout. And she’s an absolute grafter, so it’s really special for her to be getting her 50th this weekend, on such an occasion as well.”
Head coach Bryan Easson said: “The energy that she brings on the pitch is amazing.
“Her lineout work is exceptional and her work around the pitch in terms of her ability to link and her line speed defence is phenomenal. She’s just an exceptional athlete and a phenomenal human being.
“We’re lucky to have her on the pitch, but off the pitch what she brings to this group is second to none.”
Bonus point wins over Wales and Fiji mean that Scotland have already made it to the last eight.
They are currently second in the pool behind Canada, who have also made it to the knock-out stages, and who tops the section after three games will be decided when the two teams meet tomorrow.
Second in the world Canada will be favourites in that one, but if sixth in the world Scotland can cause an upset then they would likely avoid tournament favourites England in the last eight and would play Australia or USA.
Scotland’s quarter-final will be in Bristol on either September 13 or 14, but for now Canada are the focus.
For the game, experienced hooker Lana Skeldon returns from injury while the aforementioned Cockburn starts at tighthead prop with Elliann Clarke injured.
Jade Konkel returns from injury on the bench with Molly Poolman and Evie Wills earning spots amongst the subs too. The latter two could make World Cup debuts.
Scotland squad to play Canada: Chloe Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie; Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Lisa Cockburn, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (C), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher. Subs: Elis Martin, Anne Young, Molly Poolman, Jade Konkel, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Evie Wills.
The Canada matchday 23 is here.
Sarah Bonar is pictured during the Fiji game – thanks to N50 Photography
From August 7 until September 30, GH Media will be following the Scotland World Cup journey all of the way. We will be at all of the Scotland matches down south and will be bringing you all of the interviews and news from camp as well as taking a wider look at the tournament as a whole and its impact on the women’s game. Thanks to Quirky Chocolate and other supporters for allowing this content to happen and to readers for engaging with it.