Easson is sure team can take on world
SCOTLAND may have only squeezed into the women’s World Cup after claiming the last available slot — but head coach Bryan Easson has confidently stated they will not be going there to make up the numbers.
The Scots made sure of their place at October’s showpiece event in New Zealand — their first outing on that stage since 2010 — with a comprehensive 59-3 win over Colombia in the final qualifier in Dubai.
The squad returned to these shores early yesterday and were at BT Murrayfield watching Scotland’s men lose against France.
But now Easson says the hard work ahead of the World Cup starts this coming week.
His charges, ninth in the world rankings, will be up against the hosts (second), Australia (fifth) and Wales (11th) in Pool A at the 12-team event, with the latter first up on October 9 at the Northland Events Centre in Whangarei. ‘I
PARTY TIME: Scotland celebrate will start again on Monday and plan accordingly where this group can go,’ said Easson. ‘We are going to be working hard.
‘When you look back at where this group of players have come from in the past 18 months, they can go on and do that again and get better again.
‘We are not going to a World Cup to make up the numbers, we are going there to compete and the levels have to go up — and can go up. We are a proud nation and we have proud players who want to go to a World Cup and show what they are all about.
‘They’ve been exceptional. A lot of them have been involved since the 2013 and 2017 World Cup qualifiers. There’s been a lot of ups and downs, so it’s pride that I feel for everyone and I know that we can get even better.’
Skipper Rachel Malcolm added: ‘The performance against Colombia was clinical and puts down a marker. I think it’s something we’ll push on from now, as we’ve got momentum.’
Scottish tennis coach Judy Murray was at The Sevens Stadium in the UAE on Friday and was impressed.
She posed for photos with the squad and took to social media to say: ‘I loved watching this clinical display and wonderful example of team spirit from our rugby girls.’