Scotland U20 have made three changes to their side ahead of the U20 RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy at the Stadio Plebiscito, Padova, on Friday night.
Head Coach John Daziel brings in Lewis Anderson at hooker for his frist start, with blindside Scott Burnside also makes his first start. Anderson replaces Jake Kerr, who has picked up an injury, while Burnside takes the place of Callum Hunter-Hill, allowing Andrew Davidson to return to the second row alongside captain Scott Cummings for the 18.10 kick off.
Ben Robbins comes onto the right wing, with Harlequins’ Robbie Nairn dropping down to the bench. Ruairi Howarth once again starts at full back with Blair Kinghorn still required at Edinburgh, while Northampton Saints’ Rory Hutchinson is again at stand off rather than in the centres as Adam Hastings is required by Bath. Back row star Jamie Ritchie is also in action for his pro side, Edinburgh, this weekend.
Hawick hooker Fraser Renwick comes into the matchday 23, and is set to make his under-20 debut if he is called upon from the bench.
Scotland have had an encouraging start to their campaign, brilliantly beating England before missing out by the narrowest of margins to Wales, where on a last minute penalty denied them another win.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s game, Dalziel said:
“The players had a week to recover, both physically and mentally, following a tough game away to Wales, and have been extremely focused on the next task since regrouping earlier this week.”
“There’s a couple of rotations for this week’s match, which will bring an energy to the team and add to the steady core of players who are performing well as individuals and as a group. “
“We know facing Italy away is going to be a tough challenge, but we can take confidence from our previous performances, and can hopefully continue to build as we pass the half-way stage in the campaign.”
Scotland U20 v Italy U20 – Friday 26th February, 18.10, Stadio Plebiscito, Padova.
Scotland U20:
15 Ruairi Howarth (Gala)
14 Ben Robbins (Currie)
13 George Taylor (Melrose)
12 Tom Galbraith (Melrose)
11 Darcy Graham (Hawick)
10 Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints)
9 Hugh Fraser (Heriot’s)
1 Murray McCallum (Heriot’s)
2 Lewis Anderson (Ayr)
3 Callum Sheldon (Leeds Beckett University)
4 Andrew Davidson (Glasgow Hawks)
5 Scott Cummings (Glasgow Hawks)
6 Scott Burnside (Boroughmuir)
7 Matt Smith (Glasgow Hawks)
8 Ally Miller (Melrose)
Replacements:
16 Fraser Renwick (Hawick)
17 George Thornton (Bishop Burton College)
18 Adam Nicol (Stirling County)
19 Callum Hunter-Hill (Stirling County)
20 Stephen Ainslie (Currie)
21 Charlie Shiel (Currie)
22 Chris Lines (Boroughmuir)
23 Robbie Nairn (Harlequins)
Unavailable due to pro-team commitments:
Blair Kinghorn, Jamie Ritchie (both Edinburgh Rugby), and Adam Hastings (Bath Rugby).
