The ballerina who became Scotlands World Cup hero

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Marvellous McGhie completes hat-trick as Scotland extend lead over Wales

Francesca McGhie has suggested that, when made her Scotland debut in 2023, she "didnt really know how to play rugby".

After a stunning Womens Rugby World Cup debut, its fair to say the 22-year-old winner is getting the hang of it pretty quickly.

A wonderful hat-trick of tries by McGhie helped Scotland dismantle Wales to take control of their own destiny in Pool B, with games against Fiji and Canada to come.

Beat the Fijians next Saturday and they will almost certainly reach the knockout stages after delivering a complete team performance against the Welsh.

Amid that - arguably Scotlands best display in many years - it was McGhie who stole the show.

"Id like to think that that performance was better than my first cap," the winger told BBC Scotland.

Rugby was not McGhies first love.

Dancing was her passion, and her talents as a ballet and contemporary dancer earned her a place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

That nimble footwork would serve her well in her ultimate calling as a rugby player, but it was not until 2018 that she took up the game as a 15-year-old.

She joined Watsonians the following year and helped the club to the Premiership title in 2023.

She received her first Scotland call-up that same year, announcing herself in the Test arena with a stunning solo try in the victory over Ireland, which led to a nomination for World Rugbys Breakthrough Player of the Year award.

McGhie has proved herself to be a player for the big occasion.

She came up with a last-gasp match-winning try against Ireland in this years Six Nations, and her hat-trick against Wales took her international try-scoring record to 13 in 23 games.

"When you put Fran McGhie in space, my God, what a finisher," Scotland head coach Bryan Easson told BBC Scotland after Saturdays win.

"Id said to her this morning shell get a couple of scores, but I said to her at half-time, come on, thats not enough.

"One-on-one, I dont think theres anybody better in the world. Shes a world-class finisher without a doubt."

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Scotland praise for the hat-trick of tries hero

Captain Rachel Malcolm: "She is probably going to be - if shes not already - one of the best wingers with ball in hand. Shes so evasive and just an incredible athlete.

"I think today she stamped her mark on this tournament, she stamped her mark on the world stage and I cant wait to see what shes got to come."

Evie Gallagher: "Shes ridiculous. I think Francescas one thats been building since her first Six Nations.

"She put out performance after performance then, and to see her grow in her first World Cup, Im just so excited to see what she brings to the next few games because shes something worth talking about."

Emma Orr: "Shes just amazing. She makes my job so easy. I think shes had a couple of injuries over pre-season, but to have her out there and a hat-trick on the opening game, Im just so, so chuffed for her.

"She works so hard, but shes also off the pitch, the kindest, funniest person and is always there for everyone. So Im just so happy for her and cannot wait to see her keep smashing it in this World Cup."

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Former Scotland lock Deborah McCormack on BBC One: "Shes on fire. Shes absolutely unreal. Shes critical for Scotland.

"That centre partnership, thats key - them fixing their defence, manipulating the space so that there is that space to exploit for Fran. Shes all over it."

Former Wales lock Siwan Lillicrap on BBC One: "Shes been outstanding, hasnt she? McGhies a world-class finisher.

"Not any player can score a hat-trick in a World Cup opening game with so much pressure thats relying on it.

"Ive always been a big fan of McGhie. She also creates opportunities as well as that finishing."

Former Scotland international Lisa Martin on BBC Radio 5 Live: You give Fran McGhie a one-on-one and its always going to end in a try."