Women’s Six Nations: Scotland’s ‘world class’ back three ‘key’ against Italy

Captain Rachel Malcolm says Scotland must get their “world class” back three into the game if they are to overcome Italy in the Women’s Six Nations.

Malcolm thinks getting wingers Rhona Lloyd and Francesca McGhie and full-back Chloe Rollie on the ball is key.

“That back three is probably one of the most dangerous back threes in world rugby,” Malcolm said.

“It’s absolutely vital we get them the ball. “One thing we didn’t do well [against England] was break the gain-line, so we need to earn the right to play wide and to keep the ball because we definitely didn’t do that well enough.”

The Scots opened their campaign with victory in Wales before back-to-back home defeats by France and England.

Lloyd is set to win her 50th Scotland cap against the Azzurri and Malcolm says the 27-year-old GB Sevens flyer has been an instrumental figure in the progression of Scottish women’s rugby.

“I don’t think anyone can compete with her passion and her drive to play for Scotland,” she said. “She’s one of the most fiercely proud humans I’ve ever met.

“What she’s achieved in terms of tries scored, games played, at such a young age is phenomenal. It’s testament to the athlete she is.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen her come anything but first in a fitness test for the entirety of my Scotland career. She trains how she plays – she plays with her heart on her sleeve.

“She’s an absolute asset to this Scotland team, but also the work she’s done off the pitch is a massive reason that Scotland women, the pathways and the women coming through are at the level they are at right now.

“She’s someone who is always pushing for more, pushing boundaries. I’m super proud to have her in my team and I’ve no doubt she’ll get on that ball and do some magic on Saturday.”