Gary Heatly in Exeter
Scotland back-rower Rachel McLachlan admits that Canada are a quality side, but is “excited to take on the challenge” of facing them in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool B decider on Saturday.
The Scotland squad have now travelled to Exeter after two matches in Manchester safe in the knowledge that their quarter-final spot is secured.
If they can top the pool after Saturday’s clash with second best in the world Canada then they would likely face a last eight tie versus either Australia or USA in Bristol on September 13.
Should sixth in the world Scotland lose to Canada at Sandy Park then their last eight tie would likely be against England in Bristol on September 14.
To get to this point Scotland have beaten Wales and Fiji with bonus points and after a bruising 29-15 triumph over the latter at the weekend, 26-year-old Montpellier player McLachlan said: “I’m just glad that we came out on top in terms of the result and it was really exciting news about reaching the quarter-final.
“Hats off to Fiji, I thought they were really good on Saturday and played to their strengths. They did them very well. It was very difficult for us to manage, but I’m glad we stuck in and we got the result that we wanted.”
“Now we’re just looking forward to facing Canada and it’s an opportunity that we’re really excited for. The pools aren’t done yet.
“Yeah, we’re really happy about the quarters being secured, but it’s an opportunity we don’t want to pass on. They’re a quality side, but so are we and we’re excited to take on that challenge.
“The last time we played Canada was my second cap in 2018 and I now have 55 so It’s really exciting to be playing a different opponent and a lot of us know a lot of their girls as well, so that will be cool too.”
The Scotland squad travelled to Exeter on Monday and, after the Canada game, will move to Bristol for a quarter-final on either September 13 or 14.
Scotland Women’s Rugby World Cup squad
Forwards: Leah Bartlett, Becky Boyd, Sarah Bonar, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Evie Gallagher, Adelle Ferrie, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm (C), Elis Martin, Rachel McLachlan, Molly Poolman, Lana Skeldon, Alex Stewart, Emma Wassell, Molly Wright, Anne Young.
Backs: Leia Brebner-Holden, Beth Blacklock, Rhea Clarke, Coreen Grant, Rhona Lloyd, Caity Mattinson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Emma Orr, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie, Lisa Thomson, Hannah Walker, Evie Wills.
Rachel McLachlan is pictured celebrating post-Fiji – thanks to Scottish Rugby
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.