THE postponement of Scotland’s Six Nations match against France has allowed Glasgow coach Danny Wilson to name a stronger than expected line-up for his team’s visit to Leinster on Sunday. Oli Kebble and Richie Gray come into the pack for the match in Dublin, while Adam Hastings continues at stand-off, Sam Johnson is at 12 and Huw Jones is at outside centre.
Nine players in all have come back from the Scotland camp, while four – Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Ali Price and George Turner – have been retained.
A new-look back three sees New Zealand Under-20 international Cole Forbes make his debut on the left wing after signing this week, while academy graduates Rufus McLean and Ollie Smith are on the right wing and at full-back respectively. It will be a first start for Smith, who has made one substitute appearance previously. Back-row replacement Gregor Brown will make his debut if he comes off the bench.
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Scottish Rugby advertises Director of Rugby Development role
Zander Fagerson is still banned for four matches …. maybe
“It’s unfortunate the Scotland game has been postponed, however, we’re pleased to welcome some of our Scotland boys back and to be able to give them game time,” Wilson said. “We’ve named an exciting back line blending our experienced internationals with a young promising back three. Cole and Gregor have both impressed in training and have earned the opportunity to make their debut.
“Leinster are the in-form side in the competition. Although they will lose several internationals they are an example of strength and depth. It will still be a massive challenge at the RDS.”
In addition to the Scotland quartet, 11 others are listed as unavailable. Most are injured, but Zander Fagerson is also listed despite the fact that this game was not one for which he was due to be suspended as part of his four-week ban. The 11 are: Alex Allan, Fraser Brown, Fagerson, Chris Fusaro, George Horne, Pete Horne, Paddy Kelly, Kiran McDonald, Niko Matawalu, Tommy Seymour, Kyle Steyn.
Glasgow Warriors (v Leinster at the RDS, Sunday 5.30pm): O Smith; R McLean, H Jones, S Johnson, C Forbes; A Hastings, J Dobie; O Kebble, G Stewart, E Pieretto, R Gray, L Nakarawa, R Harley, T Gordon, R Wilson (captain). Substitutes: J Matthews, A Seiuli, D Rae, G Brown, T Ioane, S Kennedy, R Thompson, R Fergusson.
Leinster: J O’Brien, C Kelleher, R O’Loughlin, C Frawley, D Kearney, H Byrne, L McGrath (captain); P Dooley, S Cronin, M Bent, D Toner, S Fardy, J Murphy, J van der Flier, S Penny. Substitutes: D Sheehan, M Hanan, T Clarkson, J Dunne, A Soroka, R Osborne, D Hawkshaw, J Osborne.
Referee: F Murphy (Ireland).
Scottish Rugby advertises Director of Rugby Development role
Will watch on Premier sport – probably with the sound turned off to eliminate the ridiculous bias of the Irish commentators. My guess is most viewers come from Ireland but Premier sport will have fewer and fewer viewers elsewhere if they allow this to continue. Compare these guys to Sam Warburtons very honest commentary on England wales…