Martin determined to help Scotland end 12-year itch in Dublin clash
Captain Lisa Martin is back in the Scotland team to face Ireland at Donnybrook tomorrow after missing the England game with an eye problem and she is determined to bring an end to a 12-year wait for an away win in the Six Nations.
The Scots won in both Ireland and Spain in the 2006 campaign, then drew in Italy four years later but, since then, have tasted only defeat on the road. However, they can take heart from a very close home game against Ireland last year – one which, although they lost 22-15 to a last-minute score, inspired them to go on to beat both Wales and Italy at Broadwood in their subsequent home matches.
“It was one of those games that really kicked us on for the rest of the Six Nations,” said Martin.
“The feeling in the changing room afterwards was a little bit odd, because obviously we were really excited and really happy to be in the game to that point, but there was also disappointment and frustration because we lost it in the way we did that.
“But like I say, that kicked us on to show that we are one of those teams that are going to win games. Both teams now are completely different – new players, new coaches, new systems, especially on Ireland’s side – but we’re very similar in terms of the way that we play and the set-ups that we have. I think it’s going to be an exciting game to be part of again at Donnybrook.”
Martin’s return at standoff has led head coach Shade Munro to reshuffle his back division, with Helen Nelson moving from 10 to 12 and Hannah Smith going out to the wing. Rhona Lloyd drops down to the bench to accommodate Smith, while Jenny Maxwell joins her among the substitutes after missing out on the 43-8 defeat by England a fortnight ago.
“It was a very close game last year, whereas the previous year it wasn’t at Donnybrook,” Munro said. “So there will be quiet reminders of both games and what needs to be done.
“It’s not so much a score to settle but we have progressed since then. Almost winning last year, we’re going to give it our best shot. An away win has eluded us for so many years, so hopefully we can put that right. At our best, we have a chance of winning, definitely.”
SCOTLAND: Chloe Rollie (Lille); Liz Musgrove (Edinburgh Uni), Lisa Thomson (Lille), Helen Nelson (Murrayfield Wanderers), Hannah Smith (Hillhead/jordanhill); Lisa Martin (DMP Sharks), Sarah Law (Edin Uni/ Murrayfield Wanderers); Siobhan Mcmillan (Hillhead/jordanhill), Lana Skeldon (Watsonians), Megan Kennedy (Stirling Co), Emma Wassell (Murrayfield Wanderers), Deborah Mccormack (Harlequins), Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (both Loughborough), Jade Konkel (Lille). Substitutes: Jodie Rettie (Thurrock), Katie Dougan (Edinburgh Uni/ RHC Cougars), Lindsey Smith (Hillhead/jordanhill), Siobhan Cattigan (Stirling Co/stirling Uni), Louise Mcmillan (Hillhead/jordanhill), Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough), Lauren Harris, Rhona Lloyd (both Edinburgh Uni).