Lineen names team for England Test

24 Jun 2021

Scotland U20 Head Coach Sean Lineen has named his team to face their English counterparts in the second round of the Under-20 Six Nations tomorrow afternoon at Cardiff Arms Park (Friday 25 June, kick-off 2pm) - live on S4C Click and YouTube.

Edinburgh Rugby’s No 8 Ben Muncaster will captain the side as squad rotation means second row Alex Samuel moves to the bench.

As in round one, the match-day squad will consist of 26 players, with eight substitutions permitted to be made during the game.

There are two changes in the front row as Mike Jones and George Breese are promoted from the bench to start at prop, whilst Patrick Harrison retains his place at hooker.

Max Williamson will partner Euan Ferrie in the same second row pairing that finished the game against Ireland.

There are two changes to the back row as Cambridge University student Archie Smeaton is unavailable due to exams, and is replaced on the blindside by Rory Jackson. Ollie Leatherbarrow pulls on the openside flanker jersey, with Muncaster at No 8.

Scrum-half Murray Redpath creates a new half-back partnership with Christian Townsend at stand-off.

Pictured L-R: Christian Townsend and Murray Redpath will form a new half-back pairing

Last week’s stand-off Cammy Scott moves out to inside centre to create a new mid-field combination with Scott King, who retains his place at outside centre.

On the wing, Mike Gray keeps his spot from last week and Ross McKnight gets an opportunity to show what he can do on the opposite side.

Last week’s try scorer Elliot Gourlay moves from inside centre to take up a starting position at full-back.

Scotland Under-20’s, Head Coach Sean Lineen said: “The team learned a lot from the game against Ireland last weekend. For some players that was their first taste of international rugby, as well as learnings there were a number of positives to take from the first-half performance.

“The squad have trained really well this week. Several players have put their hands up and moved into starting positions with others getting their first opportunity to be involved.

“We know England will look to play deep from their own half, which we are prepared for.”

Scotland U20 team to face England on Friday at Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff (kick-off 2pm)

15. Elliot Gourlay (Sale Sharks)

14. Ross McKnight* (Stirling County)
13. Scott King* (Heriot’s Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby)
12. Cameron Scott* (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby)
11. Michael Gray*(Boroughmuir Bears/Glasgow Warriors)

10. Christian Townsend* (Ayrshire Bulls)
9. Murray Redpath (Newcastle University)

1. Michael Jones* (Boroughmuir Bears)
2. Patrick Harrison* (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby)
3. George Breese* (Stirling Wolves)
4. Euan Ferrie (Glasgow Hawks)
5. Max Williamson* (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)
6. Rory Jackson* (Ayrshire Bulls/Glasgow Warriors)
8. Ben Muncaster* (Watsonians Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby) CAPTAIN
7. Ollie Leatherbarrow (Exeter University)

Replacements
16. Jamie Drummond* (Ayrshire Bulls)
17. Tom Banatvala (Durham University)
18. Olly Frostick (Ealing Trailfinders)
19. Alex Samuel* (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)
20. Rhys Tait (Southern Knights)
21. Euan Cunningham* (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)
22. Thomas Glendinning* (Glasgow Hawks)
23. Ollie Melville* (Boroughmuir Bears/Glasgow Warriors)
24. Adam Scott* (GHA)
25. Finlay Callaghan* (Ayrshire Bulls/Glasgow Warriors)
26. Alex Clayton (Bath University)

*FOSROC Academy Supported Player.
Listed clubs are for the 2021 season.