Wallaroos vs Scotland: Aicha Sutcliffe handed first start as Butcher makes three changes

Aicha Sutcliffe will start a Test for Scotland for the first time when they take on the Wallaroos in Canberra. Interim head coach Dave Butcher has given the Glasgow Warriors hooker the No 2 jersey as Scotland make a last attempt to win a match in this season's WXV Global Series.

The game at GIO Stadium on Friday 23 October kicks off at 7:30pm AEDT (10:30 SAST). It is Scotland's third straight meeting with the Wallaroos and the last of their five matches in the competition, and they have yet to win one.

Bonar and Rollie return

Sutcliffe's promotion is one of three changes. Harlequins lock Sarah Bonar comes back into the second row after illness kept her out of the 56-12 defeat in Sydney. To make room for the pair, Lana Skeldon and Hollie Cunningham drop to the bench.

There is also a reshuffle in the backline. Chloe Rollie returns at full-back, Hannah Ramsay moves to fly-half and Helen Nelson shifts to inside centre, while Evie Wills misses out on the squad altogether. Rachel Malcolm captains the side.

Two players could make their Scotland debuts off the bench: Glasgow centre Nicole Flynn and tighthead prop Imogen Spence.

A farewell and a milestone for Australia

The size of Scotland's task is clear. Australia have never lost to Scotland in a series of meetings going back to 1998, and they have never been beaten at GIO Stadium.

The Wallaroos' last Test of the year is also a goodbye. Emily Chancellor starts at openside flank in her final appearance after announcing her retirement from international rugby this week. Siokapesi Palu Sekona leads the side.

Prop Eva Karpani is on the bench and is set to become only the second Wallaroo to win 50 caps. "It’s a great achievement for Eva Karpani to reach 50 Tests and we want to make it a memorable one for her," Tim Walsh said.

Australia have changed four players in the pack: Tiarah Minns, Tania Naden and Allana Sikimeti come in for Michaela Leonard, Brittany Merlo and Brianna Hoy. Wing Desiree Miller has a calf injury, so Cecilia Smith starts and Faitala Moleka moves to full-back.

"Team performances have improved every Test during WXV and it’s important that we finish the season strongly," Walsh said.