Published: Wednesday, 17th March, 2010 11:42am

Melrose full-back lines up for Scotland debut

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Nicola Halfpenny was called into action to model the new strip Melrose will wear at their Sevens tournament next month.

MELROSE full-back Nicola Halfpenny will make her full Scotland debut in the women's Six Nations this weekend.

Crossing the Irish Sea for their final fixture in this year's Championship, and currently tied for third place in the Six Nations table, Scotland Women have made some changes to their back row as they take on Ireland Women on Friday (March 19, kick-off 7.30pm in Ashbourne, Co Meath).

The fixture sees a debut for Halfpenny with Lucy Millard reaching her 15th appearance for Scotland.

After a win, a defeat and a draw in the first three matches, the Scots faced a strong English side last weekend. Despite putting up a brave fight, the home side went down 0-51 at Meggetland.

Head coach Gary Parker, formerly of Melrose, said: "This weekend it's Ireland, a side full of confidence after their win last weekend over Wales as well as running England close in their previous game. The test for us is how we react to the England result and, with less than a week's turnaround, there is no time for us to feel sorry for ourselves.

"There is an opportunity to finish in the top three of the championship, for the first time in a very long while, if we can upset the form book and win in Dublin."

The game also allows Parker to consider a new back-three combination, with an eye on the forthcoming World Cup, as Celia Hawthorn switches to wing. Erin Kerr returns to the squad following injury.

Scotland Women to face Ireland Women at Ashourne, Co Meath (kick-off 7.30pm)

15 Nicola Halfpenny (Melrose)

14 Celia Hawthorn (Edinburgh University)

13 Lucy Millard (Team Northumbria)

12 Veronica Fitzpatrick (RHC Cougars)

11 Lynsey Douglas (London Wasps)

10 Tanya Griffith (RHC Cougars)

9 Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars)

1 Heather Lockhart (Hillhead / Jordanhill)

2 Sarah-Louise Walker (Watsonians)

3 Gillian McCord (RHC Cougars)

4 Louise Moffat (Murrayfield Wanderers)

5 Lindsay Wheeler (Team Northumbria)

6 Lynne Reid (RHC Cougars) (CAPTAIN)

8 Susie Brown (Richmond)

7 Donna Kennedy (Worcester)

Replacements

16 Sarah Quick (Murrayfield Wanderers)

17 Beth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers)

18 Natalya Macholla (Stirling County)

19 Ruth Slaven (Murrayfield Wanderers)

20 Sarah Gill (Murrayfield Wanderers)

21 Erin Kerr (Wasps)

22 Stephanie Johnston (Hillhead / Jordanhill)