Scotland woman face Spain in Palma today

Scotland women's rugby team coach Peter Brownlee is hoping his side's size advantage will be a major factor when the Scots take on Spain in a Six Nations match in Palma today (kick–off 12.30). The Scottish women are the current European champions, but a disappointing 35–8 defeat to England in their opener two weeks ago left them bottom of the Six Nations League table, one place behind Spain who lost to France. Brownlee knows his side must perform better today than they did against the English, but believes the Scots are up to the challenge. “Spain will be a formidable side as they always are. A lot depends on how much they've improved over the past year. “Our performance against England two weeks ago is certainly not the mark we want to leave on the Six Nations tournament this year. We think there's massive room for improvement and we'll be looking for that this weekend. “Size is one of our main strengths. Going on what we've seen previously with the Spanish I would think our girls have a size advantage. We'll be looking to dominate possession and play the game on our terms.” Scotland team captain Karen Findlay is also looking for an improved performance against Spain, and believes the Scots will have to work hard at the set-pieces. “We love coming to Spain and hopefully the weather will stay good and make it a quick, fast game. We're really looking to bounce back from our defeat to England. “We under performed then and obviously we're really disappointed by the result, so we're definitely looking to put that behind us and put it right tomorrow (today for the reader). We will be looking to dominate set–pieces, the scrum and the line out, and to be very physically ferocious and aggressive in open play.” Findlay, who plays for English side Richmond, was hoping for some local British support today. “I just hope there's a lot of interest in the game full stop, and hopefully there will be a few Brits around to cheer us on also.” Scotland team manager Ruth Cranston is also confident the team can beat Spain after learning the hard way against England. “We've beaten the Spanish the last couple of times we've played them so I think our chances are really good. “The girls have settled in well on the island and after losing to the English two week's ago they are looking to win tomorrow. The weather didn't help against the English, but it looks like it will be a lot better here. We learnt a lesson against England and we are much better prepared for this match.” The one big worry on coach Brownlee's mind was the condition of the surface at the Principes de España sports centre in Palma. “I'm really concerned about the pitch and the multi–functional use it has at the moment. There's far too much concrete impinging on the pitch and I'm genuinely worried that there's a threat to the safety of all 30 players.” The Spanish team, meanwhile, will feature Majorca's Mercedes Batidor and Rosa Calafat from Minorca.