Blade And The Magician Continue For Scotland

Edinburgh pair Mike Blair and Phil Godman have been_chosen to continue their half-back partnership for Scotland against Italy in the RBS 6 Nations at Murrayfield on Saturday (28 February, kick off 3pm).The duo, who first played together 12 years ago while still students at Edinburgh Academy, are part of an Edinburgh quintet named in the starting line-up alongside full-back Hugo Southwell and front rowers Allan Jacobsen and Ross Ford.Remember that tickets (from as little as _20) are still available for the mouthwatering clash by calling 0871 200 1511 or by clicking here.Scrum half Blair nicknamed Blade is set to win his 56th cap for his country and will captain the side for the eleventh time.Stand-off Godman, nicknamed the Merchiston Magician, is poised to win his 15th cap for Scotland and continues in the number 10 jersey for the sixth consecutive game.Former Edinburgh lock Al Kellock, now captain of arch rivals Glasgow, has been called into the side following Jim Hamilton’s omission with a shoulder injury.Edinburgh duo Chris Paterson and Nick De Luca have been named amongst the replacements. Meanwhile, Geoff Cross is still unavailable for selection after suffering injuries to both knees in the tournament opener against Wales.Scotland team (sponsor Murray) to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at Murrayfield on Saturday 28 February (kick-off 3pm)_15 Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh)_14 Simon Danielli (Ulster)13 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors)12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors)11 Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors)_10 Phil Godman (Edinburgh)9 Mike Blair (Edinburgh) CAPTAIN_1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh)3 Euan Murray (Northampton Saints)4 Jason White (Sale Sharks)5 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors)6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester)8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais)7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors)__Substitutes_16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors)17 Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester)18 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors)19 Scott Gray (Northampton Saints)20 Chris Cusiter (Perpignan)21 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh)22 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh)_Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)._ Touch-judges: George Clancy (Ireland) and Romain Poite (France)._ Television Match Official: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)_In their third RBS 6 Nations fixture this year, Scotland host Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday 28 February (kick-off 3pm). This is the last opportunity to buy tickets to see the national team play live this season tickets for Scotland v Ireland at home sold out last month. _Tickets for Scotland v Italy start at _20 for adults and _10 for U18s and Students._ Almost 50,000 tickets have now been sold for Saturday’s match_Purchase tickets through the Scottish Rugby website www.scottishrugby.org; via the 24 hour credit card hotline on 0871 200 1511; or in person from the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre at Murrayfield, which is open as follows:Monday 23 to Friday 27 February, 9am to 8pm Please note there are NO ticket sales on match days and car parking is not available at Murrayfield.