Two changes to Scotland U20 starting XV for France clash

Scotland's Isaac Coates kicks a conversion during the 2024 Under 20 Six Nations Championship Round 1 between Wales U20 and Scotland U20 in Stadiwm CSM, Colwyn Bay, Wales, United Kingdom, Friday, February 2, 2024 (Photo by Laszlo Geczo / Inpho)

Head coach Kenny Murray has announced his 23-man squad, with just two changes to the team that started last week’s match against Wales U20 in Colwyn Bay. Theo Currie of Harlequins and Swansea University will make his Scotland U20 debut when he starts in the second row in place of Euan McVie who is ruled out this week through injury. In addition, Jonny Morris of Glasgow Warriors will make his first start this campaign when he starts at Number 8, taking over from Tom Currie who is also ruled out through injury.

The front three remain unchanged with Robbie Deans and Callum Norrie starting at loose and tighthead prop respectively, with Elliot Young retaining the hooker jersey after his two-try performance at Stadiwm CSM last weekend.

Ruaraidh Hart will join debutant Theo Currie in the boiler room and again vice-captain the team.

Captain Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas, who also got two Scotland U20 tries under his belt last week in Wales, join Morris in the back row.

The half back pairing of Murdoch Lock and Isaac Coates will again start at scrum-half and stand-off.

The back five remain unchanged for the French encounter. Amena Caqusau and Kerr Johnston will take charge of either wing, with vice-captain Geordie Gwynn and Kerr Yule – who also scored last weekend – pairing up in the centre positions. Fergus Watson will complete the starting XV at full-back.

The replacement bench sees the forward pack covered by Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, Callum Smyth, Ryan Whitefield, Ryan Burke, Archie Clarke and Monroe Job, with Hector Patterson and Jack Hocking in place to cover the backs.

Head coach Kenny Murray said: “We started off with a really strong performance last week in Colwyn Bay which slipped in the second half and let Wales beat us to the finish line.

“For many of the boys, that was their first taste of international rugby, and this week brings the even bigger challenge of France.

“We are looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd for the first time in this competition at Hive Stadium. I’m sure the crowd will give the team the drive to put on an exciting performance under the Friday night lights.”

Scotland U20 team to face France U20 on Friday 9 February at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh (kick off 8pm, live on BBC iPlayer)

15. Fergus Watson* (Glasgow Warriors)

14. Kerr Johnston* (Glasgow Warriors)
13. Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University) – Vice Captain
12. Kerr Yule* (Glasgow Warriors)
11. Amena Caqusau* (Glasgow Warriors)

10. Isaac Coates* (Edinburgh Rugby)
9. Murdoch Lock (Bath Rugby/Bath University)

1. Robbie Deans* (Edinburgh Rugby)
2. Elliot Young (Exeter Chiefs/Exeter University)
3. Callum Norrie* (Glasgow Warriors)
4. Theo Currie (Harlequins/Swansea University)
5. Ruaraidh Hart* (Glasgow Warriors) – Vice Captain
6. Liam McConnell* (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain
7. Freddy Douglas* (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Jonny Morris* (Glasgow Warriors)

Replacements

16. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty* (Edinburgh Rugby)
17. Callum Smyth* (Glasgow Warriors)
18. Ryan Whitefield (Biggar RFC)
19. Ryan Burke* (Glasgow Warriors)
20. Archie Clarke (Durham University)
21. Monroe Job (Southern Knights)
22. Hector Patterson* (Edinburgh Rugby)
23. Jack Hocking* (Edinburgh Rugby)

*FOSROC Scottish Rugby Contracted Academy Player