Scotland Women's progress pleases captain Reid

SCOTLAND Women's captain Lynne Reid has seen a real improvement in her side under new coaches Gary Parker and Jared Tuoro and she wants that to continue tomorrow against Italy in Colleferro, near Rome (1.30pm GMT).

The Scots defeated France 10-8 at Lasswade in their Six Nations opener before losing 28-12 to Wales two weeks ago. They sit fourth in the table and tomorrow they are looking for their first away win of the campaign.

Reid said: "I believe we have made great progress so far, despite the loss to Wales, and we are looking forward to taking on Italy.

"We are getting into the right positions on the field more often now and the challenge for us in the next three matches is to become more clinical in terms of finishing."

Italy, like their men's team, provide a physical threat while their defence is solid and Reid and her team-mates will have to work hard to break them down.

Indeed, the Scots know just how tough it is to win in Italy having lost 31-10 near Venice in this same tournament two years ago. And last year the Italians were just edged out 13-10 at Meggetland.

Reid added: "We will have to be on our game from the off because Italy are improving year on year and thoroughly deserve to be in the event. It is up to us to play our own game and build on the things we have been doing in training since the Welsh match."

London Wasps winger Lynsey Douglas has come into the starting line-up for the match with Erin Kerr missing out and Veronica Fitzpatrick moving into the centre as a result.

On the bench Natalya Macholla and the uncapped Stephanie Johnston are added with the subs likely to be vital in such a physical match up.

Scotland Women (to play Italy in Colleferro, near Rome, tomorrow 1.30pm GMT): C Hawthorn; L Douglas, L Millard, V Fitzpatrick, V Blakebrough; T Griffith, L Dalgliesh; H Lockhart, S-L Walker, G McCord, L Moffat, L Wheeler, L Reid, S Brown, D Kennedy. Subs: S Quick, B Dickens, N Macholla, R Slaven, S Gill, L Steven, S Johnston.