Skeldon encouraged by set-piece display as Scots turn focus to Italy
WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS ENGLAND 52
Scotland hooker Lana Skeldon believes the forwards in the team can dust themselves down and build on a positive set-piece showing during Saturday’s defeat to England when they take on Italy next on April 17 in the Women’s Six Nations.
Bryan Easson’s charges went down 52-10 to the English at Castle Park in Doncaster in their opening Pool A match and, on the face of the scoreline, there might seem to be few positives to take away from the 80 minutes.
However, you have to remember that England are number one in the world and most of the Scottish players had not been involved in a competitive game since October.
In the match itself, the Scottish pack had to deal with losing skipper Rachel Malcolm from the back-row at half-time due to a knee injury while replacement tighthead prop Molly Wright was red carded after 67 minutes.
They dealt with those setbacks though and the scrum and the lineout generally functioned well, giving them a solid base to build from when they play Italy in their second and final pool game at Scotstoun in 12 days’ time.
“From a set piece point of view, we are really happy with a number of things that went on against England, we have definitely taken some steps forward,” 27-year-old Skeldon said.
“The first half was obviously difficult, but we came out in the second half and showed what we are all about and showed some fight.
“There were some really good bits in there, some things to take forward into the next game so we are actually feeling fairly good.
“In terms of the set piece, I think credit to the players, we are working hard on that area of things and we are confident in that area.
“The game against Italy is just another step forward for us. I think going into the Italy game we will be feeling ready to go having got the rustiness out of our system against England having not played for quite a while.”
Tighthead prop Christine Belisle, formerly a secondrow and back-row, was making her first start in the specialist position on her fifth appearance for Scotland and Skeldon reserved special praise for her showing against England.
“I thought she was absolutely awesome, she put in some cracking hits and I told her that after the game,” Skeldon states.
“At the set piece she was as strong as an ox, she was outstanding and for her first start at tighthead she did really well and can build on this.”
England led 33-3 at halftime to put the result out of sight before a better second 40 minutes for Scotland while, in a match that was never fractious, one red and four yellow cards were dished out during the whole game.
The home side’s tries came from Marlie Packer, Leanne Riley, Lark Davies, Bryony Cleall, Jess Breach, Helena Rowland, Poppy Cleall and a penalty try seven pointer while captain Emily Scarratt kicked five conversions.
Hannah Smith bagged Scotland’s only try with Helen Nelson kicking the other five points.