Gary Heatly in Manchester
It was a bruising battle against Fiji on Saturday, but Scotland got the job done 29-15 and have secured a quarter-final spot at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
With the rain falling in Manchester, Scotland certainly did not have it their own way at times at the Salford Community Stadium, but in the end tries from wingers Francesca McGhie (2) and Rhona Lloyd (2) – along with one from centre Emma Orr and two conversions from stand-off Helen Nelson – got them over the line.
Tighthead prop Elliann Clarke was forced off in the second half with a leg injury and is due to be assessed.
A match report can be found here and here are five talking points…
Another flying start
Francesca McGhie helped Scotland get off to a fast start in the 38-8 win over Wales in week one and she did so again here with an early try after Emma Orr’s kick. Rhona Lloyd then scored and to be 10-0 up after 10 minutes was crucial given the way that Fiji built into things.
Lloyd’s second try important and she now has 27 for her country
After Scotland went up 10-0, it was Fiji’s game from that point until just a bit after the half hour mark. That is why it was so crucial the Rhona Lloyd scored her second try in the 34th minute because it gave them a 12 point lead at 17-5 at the interval. Lloyd is now third in Scotland women’s try scoring list with 27.
Emma Orr steps up in big moments
Big players step up in big moments and in big games and Emma Orr did that a number of times against Fiji. She is such a clever player who seems to spot space and gaps that others do not and her try which made it 29-10 after Helen Nelson’ conversion in the 60th minute was excellent.
Evie Gallagher effortlessly excellent
No.8 Evie Gallagher was named player of the match and her stat of 36 tackles probably explains why. She is not the biggest back-rower in the world, but she puts herself about and always seems to be in good positions due to her excellent reading of the game. Like Emma Orr, a real star.
Hopefully injuries not too bad
It was a very physical encounter with Elliann Clark, the tighthead prop, being forced off with a leg injury in the second half, Lisa Thomson ending up with a bandaged head and various other players needing treatment at times. Let’s hope they are all fine for Canada.
What’s to come…
Who finishes top and who finishes second in Pool B will be decided in Exeter next Saturday when Scotland play Canada.
They will then have a quarter-final in Bristol on either September 13 or 14.
- The Sunday results from the competition are all here.
Teams:
Scotland: Chloe Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie; Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Leah Bartlett, Elis Martin, Elliann Clarke, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (C), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher. Subs: Molly Wright, Anne Young, Lisa Cockburn, Adelle Ferrie, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Rhea Clarke, Beth Blacklock.
Fiji: Litiana Vueti; Alowesi Nakoci, Verenaisi Ditavutu, Josifini Neihamu, Michella’e Brigid Stolz; Salanieta Kinita, Setaita Railumu; Loraini Senivutu, Bitila Tawake, Vika Matarugu, Jade Coates, Mereoni Nakesa, Nunia Daunimoala, Alfreda Fisher (C), Manuqalo Komaitai. Subs: Keleni Marawa, Karalaini Naisewa, Tiana Robanakadavu, Carletta Yee, Sulita Waisega, Kolora Lomani, Kelerayani Luvu, Adi Salote Nailolo.
Scorers:
Scotland: Tries: McGhie 2, Lloyd 2, Orr. Conversions: Nelson 2.
Fiji: Tries: Senivutu, Komaitai, Naisewa.
Yellow cards: Matarugu, Tawake *, Nailolo ( all Fiji) *upgraded to a 20-minute red card
Referee: Lauren Jenner.
Player of the match: Evie Gallagher (Scotland).
Scotland are pictured celebrating versus Fiji – thanks to Ruby Adam 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.