Scarratt looking forward to facing Lightning teammates in Six Nations crunch clash

A Scotland side reeling from defeat against Italy could be at their most dangerous ahead of a trip to Leicester, according to Red Roses centre Emily Scarratt.

Bryan Easson’s side fell to a frustrating 25-17 defeat to Italy at the Hive Stadium in Round 3 of the Women’s Six Nations and face holders England next.

But Red Roses stalwart Scarratt believes this makes them all the more frightening a prospect to welcome to the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, with Scotland looking to bounce back.

“[Scotland] started the campaign really strongly, going away to France is never easy but also getting that win (against Wales) early doors,” said the Loughborough Lightning No.13.

“They’ll be hurting after the weekend so they are a dangerous side to play. One that has obviously come off the back of a loss and feel like they didn’t play their best rugby.

“It was a game they would have really gone after and really wanted a win from so they’ll be hurting.

“But sometimes that’s a scarier prospect when they want to really push on and show what they’re capable of. We’ll definitely be respectful of that.”

While Scotland took the lead at Hive Stadium through Chloe Rollie’s converted try, two tries for Italy before half time saw the Azzurre 10-7 ahead at the break and despite a response from Evie Gallagher, it was a lead they continued to extend.

England, however, had problems of their own and found Ireland hard to break down in the first-half, allowing Amee-Leigh Costigan to dot down for the lead.

But the Red Roses, who are aiming for the Grand Slam, proved too strong after the break to emerge 49-5 winners in Cork.

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It leaves Scotland with a tough task away from home on Saturday but Scarratt was keen to acknowledge her upcoming opponents’ quality.

“[Scotland] have really grown. They won WXV2 a year before last and obviously had a really good showing this year with their highest-ever world ranking and highest-ever finish in Six Nations. Those stats speak for themselves of how much they’ve grown,” she remarked.

“We’ve got a load of the girls at Loughborough and throughout the PWR so you can see as individuals they’re really developing with quality rugby every week.

“They’ve all been able to take that back and mesh that together in a Scotland jersey which has independently been really cool to see.

“It’s always fun going up against your friends on a weekend so it’s definitely going to be a tough test.”

Scarratt knows better than most, lining up alongside the likes of Rachel Malcolm, Helen Nelson, Becky Boyd and Elis Martin each week at Loughborough Lightning.

As the 35-year-old readies herself for a match in her hometown, she is also looking forward to catching up with club teammates, an element that adds an extra dimension to the game.

“Fundamentally, it’s fun. You know them so well that you can give insight into areas to attack but you’re also aware they’re probably doing the exact same thing. You’ve got to focus on yourselves and keep going back to that,” explained Scarratt.

“Some people have a bit more chat during the week and some people go radio silent. It’s a really good group, so it will be nice to grab a drink with them after and just catch-up.

“When I step out of my England top, I’m a big Scotland supporter and really wish them well but this week that’ll have to take a backseat. But it’s always nice to have a conversation at the bottom of a ruck sometimes.”