Speaking at a lunchtime press conference, assistant coach Dave Butcher said that it was as yet impossible to determine how long Orr will be sidelined for – or indeed to say what the precise injury is. “We know it’s a leg injury, but until we’ve had the MRI results back, we don’t really know,” he said when asked the likely length of Orr’s lay-off.
“She’s in a brace just now, but obviously that’s precautionary. But until our medics tell us exactly what it is, I think it would be inappropriate for me to say what it is. We haven’t had a full diagnosis on it yet.”
Evie Wills replaced Orr in the 24-19 win at the Principality Stadium, but if McGhie is available to play after missing the Wales game, Shona Campbell could move from No 11 to 13 for Saturday’s match. However, Butcher insisted the coaching team were in no hurry to decide.
“Obviously Evie has been in the squad as a 13, so when we look at the full squad, we’d see who would step in,” he added. “Evie’s been playing really, really well, so I think that would be a natural jumper-up in the squad.
“But we’re playing a different opposition as well, so we’d have to look at that combination. Obviously Emma’s not playing this weekend, so massive shoes to fill. She’s a world-class player, and we’ve just had our final big session just now to look at everybody.”
No 8 Evie Gallagher, second-row Sarah Bonar and loosehead prop Anne Young are also expected to miss the championship through injury.
Sione Fukofuka‘s side are looking to build on their dramatic Six Nations opening weekend win over Wales heading into this weekend’s round two clash.
While victory over the Red Roses on Saturday seems unlikely – Scotland haven’t tasted success in this fixture in 29 games played this century – it is important that the dark blues are competitive in front of what will be the biggest ever crowd for a standalone women’s sport’s match in Scotland, with over 25,000 tickets sold already.