Six Nations 2014: Scott Johnson delays naming Scotland back-line
Six Nations 2014: Scott Johnson delays the naming of his Scotland backline ahead of their clash against Wales this weekend
Scott Johnson has further delayed the announcement of his backline ahead of Scotland’s Six Nations clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
With the squad announcement already delayed by 24-hours to allow players more time to recover, the Scotland head coach has opted to name 13 backs under consideration with a decision expected after training sessions today and tomorrow.
“We’re obviously already without Sean Lamont in the backs after the knee problem he picked up against France,” Johnson told scottishrugby.org.uk.
“We’ve also got some concerns about our wingers, Tommy [Seymour] and Max [Evans] and we’re going to wait until tomorrow to see how they are.”
In the forwards, Glasgow Warriors flanker Ryan Wilson is restored as the only change up front after Johnnie Beattie picked up an injury in the 19-17 defeat to France last time out, with Al Strokosch providing cover on the bench.
Among Johnson’s options on the wing should Seymour and Evans fail to be ready are Glasgow’s Lee Jones, who has impressed since joining the club on loan from Edinburgh after a spell with the Scotland 7s side.
Edinburgh’s Dougie Fife could make his debut, with Jack Cuthbert winning his second cap if he gets on the pitch.
Wales, who are without their injured kicking machine Leigh Halfpenny, will name their match-day squad on Thursday morning.
Scotland
Backs: Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Cuthbert (Edinburgh Rugby), Alex Dunbar (Glasgow), Max Evans (Castres), Dougie Fife (Edinburgh), Stuart Hogg (Glasgow), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow), Lee Jones (Glasgow), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Matt Scott (Edinburgh), Duncan Taylor (Saracens), Richie Vernon (Glasgow), Duncan Weir (Glasgow), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow).
Forwards: Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Richie Gray (Castres), Jim Hamilton (Montpellier), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow), Kelly Brown (Saracens, captain), David Denton (Edinburgh).
Replacements: Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh), Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors, Tim Swinson (Glasgow), Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan), plus three backs TBC.
