After scoring four tries in a desperately close-run loss to France last Sunday at Philiphaugh, Scotland’s under-18 squad are set to take on their Welsh counterparts in Melrose on Sunday (21 March, kick-off 3pm). Keeping the same backs selection as the squad that was narrowly defeated by the French last weekend, the forwards line-up reflects the omission, due to injury, of Jamie Swanson, and the return of Fraser Wem. Scotland under-18 head coach Grant McKelvey said: We’re expecting a big physical challenge on Sunday from the Welsh, who we beat three years ago at Hughenden. The boys had their first taste of international rugby last weekend and since then we’ve regrouped and refocussed for the challenge ahead. In line with Scottish Rugby’s match policy, entry to Sunday’s game is free, allowing supporters to see some of Scotland’s best young talent for nothing. And they’re definitely worth watching. This year’s under-20 squad, who defeated Italy away recently, cut their teeth at this age grade. Meanwhile breaking into the national side, having come through the programme, are current national squad members including Alan MacDonald and Richie Gray. Scotland under-18 to face Wales at the Greenyards, Melrose on Sunday 21 March (kick-off 3pm) FORWARDS Robin Hislop (Hawick Wanderers) ** Alex Allen (Sedbergh School) Gavin Robertson (Earlston HS / Melrose Wasps) Fraser Watt (East Kilbride) Ryan Hood (Strathallan) George Turner (Stewart’s Melville College) Fergus Scott (Currie) Andrew Redmayne (Kilmarnock) Mitch Eadie (Filton College) William Kay (Boroughmuir) Andrew Nagle (Jed Thistle) (pictured above) Ben Johnstone (Stewart’s Melville College) Adam de Ste Croix (Boroughmuir) Rory Sutherland (Hawick Wanderers) Fraser Wem (Hampton School / Wasps) BACKS Murray McConnell (Lenzie Academy / West of Scotland)* Jamie Stevenson (Whitgift) Harry Leonard (Brighton College) Stuart Hogg (Heriot’s)** Mark Bennett (Cumnock RFC) * Jack Bradford (Worksop College) Sam Knudson (Aberdeen GS) Michael Crawley (Stewart’s Melville College) Harris Jones (Boroughmuir)* Doug Day (Paviours RFC) Jamie Urquhart (Stirling County) Aidan McCall Hagan (West of Scotland) * Member of National Academy supported by AIS (Area Institute of Sport) ** Member of National Academy supported by Scottish Rugby Scotland under-18 fixture dates 2010 21 March Scotland under-18 v Wales under-18, Melrose RFC (kick-off 3pm) Free entry 28 March Scotland under-18 v Leeds Academy, West Park, Leeds (kick-off 2.30pm) 2 to 10 April – International Festival in Wales Friday 2 April Scotland under-18 v England under-18, Llandovery (kick-off 4pm) Tuesday 6 April Scotland under-18 v Italy under-18, Llandovery (kick-off 4pm) Saturday 10 April Scotland under-18 v Ireland under-18, Llandovery (kick-off 4pm)