'Scotland have learned lessons from England defeat'

Scotland must take the best parts of their performance down to Wales to earn a Six Nations victory this weekend, according to head coach Brian Easson.

The national women’s team were soundly beaten by England on the opening weekend but made the world’s number one ranked side work hard for their bonus point win.

Easson was pleased with Scotland’s defence and their intensity in putting their opponents under pressure, but pinpointed small mistakes that allowed England to stretch away in the contest.

Reflecting on the 57-5 loss in Edinburgh, the head coach said: “The performance, for me, showed that we are making progress.

“This weekend I want it to be exactly the same. We have learned a lot of lessons from England.

“We know exactly where we need to attack and defend them. We know our strengths and where the Welsh strengths are as well.

“Performance is key but I think it is important that we go down and strive for that victory.”

The match in Cardiff will see stalwart Lana Skeldon earn her 50^th cap, just a week on from back row Jade Konkel marking the same milestone.

Skeldon, 28, has been in the national team set-up for 11 years and, as Scotland start to introduce a new generation of promising talent to the side, Easson paid tribute to the long-serving hooker for her part in easing that transition.

He said: “[Lana] is another tremendous servant to this group.

“When you look at the squad we have, you can see we have real experience in there and some youth in there too.

“I think Lana is an infectious character on and off the field.

“She is someone who the youngsters will look up to and a player who we can trust week in and week out.

“Lana never takes a backward step, she is such a steady performer and I am delighted for her to get her 50th cap this weekend.”