Al Kellock to lead young side into USA clash
As many as nine players who have featured for Scotland Under-20s in the last three years are in a Scotland A side in Friday's curtain-raiser to the second autumn international weekend.
- By Steve Scott, rugby correspondent
- Published in the Courier : 18.11.10
- Published online : 18.11.10 @ 02.00pm
The experience of Al Kellock will lead the team against USA Eagles at Galashiels.
The lock who skippered Scotland to two wins in Argentina is making a steady comeback from knee surgery and his inclusion is a huge boost for new A team coach Nick Scrivener, with a highly experimental team to take on the full US team.
"Al's presence and input have been invaluable and he'll be a great example to the younger guys," said the Edinburgh assistant coach, who also has rookie pros Rob Harley, Stuart McInally and Lee Jones in his starting 15.
"Richie Gray has shown how fast a track it can be from the under-20s to the international team so there's an opportunity for guys to make a statement on Friday," added Scrivener.
"Rob Harley has been outstanding for Glasgow this year and while Stuart hasn't had a lot of game time for Edinburgh that's going to change as the season progresses."
On the bench, Tom Ryder could make his Scottish representative debut, while former Edinburgh hooker Steven Lawrie is included.
Squad — Jim Thompson (Edinburgh); Joe Ansbro (Northampton Saints), Ben Cairns (Edinburgh), Alex Grove (Edinburgh), Lee Jones (Edinburgh); David Blair (Edinburgh), Mark McMillan (Bath); Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh); Fraser McKenzie (Edinburgh); Al Kellock (Glasgow Warriors, capt); Rob Harley (Glasgow Warriors), Roddy Grant (Edinburgh), Stuart McInally (Edinburgh).
Replacements — Steven Lawrie (Doncaster Knights), Kyle Traynor (Edinburgh), Tom Ryder (Saracens), David Denton (Edinburgh), Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Cuthbert (Bath).
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