Glasgow Warriors hooker Aicha Sutcliffe gets the nod in Canberra as Dave Butcher shuffles three spots for Scotland's WXV finale.
Aicha Sutcliffe's moment has arrived. The Glasgow Warriors hooker will pull on a Scotland shirt from the first whistle for the first time, named in the starting side to face Australia in Canberra on Friday.
Her selection is one of three changes made by interim head coach Dave Butcher for the closing match of Scotland's WXV Global Series campaign. A first Test start at hooker is a big step, and a trip to Australia to finish the tournament is a demanding stage for it.
Butcher is in charge on an interim basis, so every selection call carries extra weight. Handing Sutcliffe the jersey signals that he wants fresh energy up front as Scotland chase a strong finish in the series.
For Sutcliffe, the job is clear: tidy set-piece work, physical carries and relentless effort around the park against a home side that will bring plenty of intensity. Friday in Canberra is her chance to turn a first start into a long-term claim on the number 2 shirt.
