Scotland primed for 'special performance' in WXV2 title bid

Scotland have beaten Italy and Japan in their two games so far

Scotland have "a special performance waiting to be uncovered" in their WXV2 title decider against Australia on Saturday, according to assistant coach Tyrone Holmes.

Bryan Easson's side won last year's competition with wins over hosts South Africa, the United States and Japan, and now sit second in the table, three points behind Australia, after wins over Italy and Japan.

Another victory for the Scots would see them lift the trophy once more, provided the Wallaroos do not take two bonus points from the Cape Town contest.

Scotland have triumphed in 12 of their last 15 outings, which also included narrow defeats by WXV1 sides France and Ireland in the most recent Six Nations.

Holmes says it will take a similar level of quality to what they displayed against France if they are to get the job done, having lost 14-12 to Australia at the 2022 World Cup.

"It's going to take a very strong performance, something around France in the Six Nations," he said.

"We need to have confidence in our processes and roles to go out and execute them with a lot of physicality and be physical. The last two performances, although not perfect, will definitely add to their confidence level.

"If we can go out there and be confident, and with that confidence be physical and clinical, I think there's a special performance waiting to be uncovered."

Fly-half Helen Nelson says the "different kind of pressure" that accompanies a must-win game is something the players are embracing.

Scotland have reached a record-high world ranking of fifth, and Nelson believes retaining their WXV2 title would show they belong at the game's top table.

"We're all geared up and ready to go Saturday, because we know we need to play to our absolute best," she said. "We're relishing that challenge. It's something we've been vocal about wanting to do.

"We are climbing, we are on the rise. This is just the next step, retaining a title and being like 'we're here, we're solid at fifth in the world'. It would be incredible.

"It's a really exciting time, we're just looking forward to Saturday and doing the job."