Scotland Men U20 team named for final World Rugby U20 Trophy pool match

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 07: Scotland's Finlay Doyle in action during a World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 match between Scotland and Hong Kong China at the Hive Stadium, on July 07, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Murray has reverted to the same starting XV that took on Samoa U20 in round one for the encounter that will ultimately decide who wins Pool A and advances to the 1^st place play-off. 

Robbie Deans continues at loosehead prop for the third consecutive game and is joined once again by brother duo Ollie and Jerry Blyth-Lafferty at tighthead and hooker respectively.

Euan McVie and Ryan Burke return to start together in the second row, whilst Tom Currie is back in the starting Number 8 jersey alongside captain Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas who stay in the flanker positions for the third game in a row.

The backs see the comeback of Conor McAlpine in the starting scrum-half position and Andrew McLean at stand-off.

Findlay Thomson returns to the starting inside centre position and is joined in the midfield by Johnny Ventisei who will start for the third time at outside centre.

The back three sees Geordie Gwynn return to the team after being rested for the game against Hong Kong China U20, joining Finlay Doyle who will start his third consecutive game on the right wing. Fergus Watson rounds out the starting fifteen at fullback.

The bench sees a five/three split, with Seb Stephen, Ben White, Callum Norrie, Ruaraidh Hart and Dylan Cockburn primed to support the forwards and Hector Patterson, Kerr Yule and Jack Hocking in place to bolster the backs.

Head Coach Kenny Murray said: “I have been impressed with the performances the guys have put in over the past two games and it is vital that we continue to build on these going into Friday’s game.

“There have been a lot of positives to take from our games against Samoa and Hong Kong China, but we know we must fix the mistakes if we want to walk away with a good result.

“Japan are a dynamic and fast team that have also had some big scores against their opponents, but we are ready for the challenge and are looking forward to getting back out on the pitch for our final pool match.”

Support the team at Hive Stadium – get your tickets here.

Scotland U20 team to face Japan U20 on Friday 12 July at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh (kick off 7.45pm, live on BBC ALBA)

15. Fergus Watson (Glasgow Warriors)

14. Finlay Doyle (Loughborough University)
13. Johnny Ventisei (Glasgow Warriors)
12. Findlay Thomson (Watsonians)
11. Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University) – Vice-captain

10. Andrew McLean (Boroughmuir Bears)
9. Conor McAlpine (Watsonians)

1. Robbie Deans (Edinburgh Rugby)
2. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
4. Euan McVie (Edinburgh Rugby)
5. Ryan Burke (Glasgow Warriors)
6. Liam McConnell (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain
7. Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Tom Currie (Edinburgh Rugby) – Vice-captain

Replacements
16. Seb Stephen (unattached)
17. Ben White (Biggar RFC)
18. Callum Norrie (Glasgow Warriors)
19. Ruaraidh Hart (Glasgow Warriors)
20. Dylan Cockburn (Southern Knights/Melrose RFC)
21. Hector Patterson (Edinburgh Rugby)
22. Kerr Yule (Glasgow Warriors)
23. Jack Hocking (Edinburgh Rugby)