Rugby World Cup 2021 Qualifier Preview: Scotland vs Colombia

The final RWC 2021 Qualifier takes place between Scotland and Colombia on Friday, February 25 2022 in Dubai, and whoever wins this match will become the 12th and final qualifier for Rugby World Cup 2021, being played in 2022 in New Zealand.

Colombia beat the higher-ranked Kazakhstan team last week at the same stadium and are on an unbeaten international test match streak but will be playing much better opposition in the form of Scotland.

Both teams have named two uncapped players on the bench in Eva Donaldson and Caity Mattinson (Scotland) and Gales Avendaño and Lizbeth Brant (Colombia).

The two teams are scheduled to meet at The Sevens Stadium at 19:00 local time (UAE), with the victor heading to Pool A in RWC 2021, alongside hosts New Zealand, Australia and Wales.

You can read out review of the first qualifier between Colombia and Kazakhstan which the South Americans won 18-10.

It all comes down to this! 🏉

@fecorugby face @Scotlandteam as both sides battle it out to secure a place at #RWC2021

Who will get the final Rugby World Cup ticket? 🎟️#LastChanceToDream 💭

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) February 24, 2022

Scotland – Rugby World Cup 2021 Qualifier

World Rugby Ranking: 9

Scotland are bidding to qualify for a first Rugby World Cup since 2010 and secured their place at the Final Qualification Tournament through the RWC 2021 Europe Qualifier in Parma last September and are now just 80 minutes from sealing their passage to a first Rugby World Cup in 12 years.

Scotland coach Bryan Easson said “We’re focused purely on the game and on how we are working together. But, you know, there’s been a few players in this group who played in 2013 in the qualifier and a few more who then played in 2017 (they missed out on qualification to RWC 2017 after losing to Spain in a two-legged play-off.)

Scotland has named 14 of the players who started their last Rugby World Cup 2021 qualifier against Ireland with Sarah Law, who kicked the match-winning kick in the 20-18 victory, the only change.

The Scotland coach has made only two changes to the team that played in their most recent match, a 36-12 win against Japan in November, reports World Rugby.  Louise McMillan replaces Sarah Bonar in the second row, while Sarah Law has been named at fly-half, with Helen Nelson moving to centre to cover for the loss of Hannah Smith.

Eva Donaldson and Caity Mattinson – who played seven Tests for England in 2017 and 2018 – could make their Scotland debuts from the replacements’ bench in Dubai.

Colombia – Rugby World Cup 2021 Qualifier

World Rugby Ranking: 25

Colombia started their qualification campaign on 7 March 2020 and could book a first Rugby World Cup appearance in only their fifth ever test match after their victory over Kazakhstan.

Wingers Juliana Soto and Maria Isabel Azuraga each scored a try in the victory with Azuraga converting her own try and kicking two penalties.

Colombia coach Lissete Martinez, has made two personnel changes to the team; Angie Manyoma has come into the back-row to replace Maribel Mestra, who was shown a red card during the first half at The Sevens Stadium.

Manyoma will start in the number six jersey with Valeria Muñoz switching to openside flanker and Tatiana Hernandez moving to number eight.

Colombia number eight, Maribel Mestra Diaz is serving a 3-week suspension following her red card against Kazakhstan last week.

World Rugby Match Officials

Match officials

Amber McLachlan (Australia) takes charge of her first test since England’s 66-7 win over Wales in the Women’s Six Nations in March 2020 with the Final Qualification Tournament decider between Scotland and Colombia.

• Referee: Amber McLachlan (Australia)
• AR1: Kat Roche (USA)
• AR2: Shanda Assmus (Canada)
• TMO: Ian Tempest (England)

Image Credit: World Rugby

Where can you watch the RWC 2021 Qualifier?

World Rugby is streaming the matches on their website, Facebook and YouTube on Friday, 25 February – KO 15:00 GMT.

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