Tuesday, 09 Feb 2010 12:05
Euan Murray returns at prop for Scotland against Wales in Six Nations
By Alistair Potter.
Scotland's under-pressure front row have received a timely boost with the news that Northampton prop Euan Murray will return to the lineup for Saturday's clash with Wales.
Murray missed the Scots' opening Six Nations game against France on Sunday due to his religious beliefs, and would have seen his team-mates given a lesson in scrummaging by Les Bleus front three.
The Saints star replaces Moray Low at tight-head, while the game also sees a landmark moment for full-back Chris Paterson who will win his 100th cap at the Millennium Stadium.
Elsewhere, head coach Andy Robinson has reacted to calls for an improvement at stand-off by dropping fly-half Phil Godman and bringing back in-form Glasgow play-caller Dan Parks.
The third and final change sees Sean Lamont moving inside from the wing to outside centre to accommodate the return from injury of his brother Rory Lamont. Centre Max Evans is the man to make way as he drops to the bench.
"I'm pleased to welcome Dan back," said Robinson.
"He comes in after playing consistently well for Glasgow."
Referring to the honour for Paterson, who will become only the 11th international player to reach 100 caps, he added: "He has been a fantastic ambassador for the team and it's a tremendous honour for him to win his 100th cap.
"It's well deserved and I'm looking forward to seeing him perform at the weekend."
Full Scotland team to play Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday February 13th:
15 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh)
14 Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors)
13 Sean Lamont (Scarlets)
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors)
11 Rory Lamont (Toulon)
10 Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors, captain)
1 Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester)
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
3 Euan Murray (Northampton Saints)
4 Nathan Hines (Leinster)
5 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors)
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors)
8 Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors)
Replacements
16 Scott Lawson (Gloucester)
17 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)
18 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors)
19 Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh)
20 Mike Blair (Edinburgh)
21 Phil Godman (Edinburgh)
22 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors)