Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm is embracing a fresh start for her side, acknowledging that the road ahead in this year's Women's Six Nations may require some short-term patience for long-term gain. With a new coaching team led by Australian Sione Fukofuka and the departure of several experienced internationals, the squad is in a clear period of transition.

Despite the challenges, including key injuries, Malcolm's tone is one of optimism. She views the upcoming championship not just as a tournament, but as the first chapter in a new cycle with a bold ambition: to shed the underdog tag. "We want to be a team that other teams see as a threat," Malcolm stated, setting a clear target of consistent, top-tier performances on the global stage.

The journey begins this Saturday in Cardiff against a Welsh side Scotland convincingly defeated at the World Cup. While Malcolm admits the new-look team is an unknown quantity under match pressure, she is confident in the foundation they've built. "It's exciting because we're going to see where we're at," she said, ready to lead her team into a new era that promises growth and renewed competitive spirit.