SCOTLAND have started the defence of their WXV2 title with victory over Italy.

The Scotland squad, featuring Musselburgh’s Francesca McGhie, came through tricky conditions in Cape Town to get their tournament off to the best possible start.

The first try of the game came shortly before the half-hour mark when Chloe Rollie danced over the line to score.

Then, Lana Skeldon scored just before the half-time interval, Helen Nelson again adding the extra points with the conversion.

Italy attempted to get back into the game but Coreen Grant was on hand to score for Scotland to wrap up the 19-0 victory.

Bryan Easson, Scotland’s head coach, was pleased with the win, which makes it 11 triumphs in the last 14 tests for the country.

He said: “It was a difficult game, but to win 19-0 against an opponent we know well, we’re pleased.

“We had to look after the game pretty well and, defensively, I thought we were very solid and that gave us a foothold into things.

“We didn’t allow Italy anything in the second half especially, so I’m really pleased.”

McGhie, who plays her club rugby for Leicester Tigers, will be hoping to again complete the full 80 minutes when Scotland face Japan tomorrow (Saturday).