Donnie Macfadyen, the 26-year-old Glasgow Warriors openside flanker, will resume his cap international career against familiar foes when Scotland face South Africa in Durban on Saturday, in a match that marks the 100th anniversary of the first contest between the countries.

Macfadyen, who spent 15 months out of the game with a recurring knee injury, impressed Scotland coach Frank Hadden when he came on as a substitute in last week’s non-cap match with the Barbarians at Murrayfield, which Scotland won 66-19.

Macfadyen won the last of his nine caps to date against South Africa at Murrayfield in 2004. He said: “Its very exciting news. Playing for Scotland was one of the main motivations while I was rehabbing. I’m looking to put the injuries behind me and to show what I can do on Saturday.”

Hadden added: “Donnie did well when he came on last week. He is an experienced international player and we believe he is the man for the occasion on Saturday.”

Macfadyen’s inclusion at No 7 means Ally Hogg occupies the No 8 berth with Simon Taylor absent through injury. Otherwise the Scotland pack is the same which started the final victory of the RBS 6 Nations Championship – against Italy – with Scott Lawson winning the nod at hooker and Nathan Hines partnering Scott Murray in the second-row.

Scotland field the same back division that started the Championship victories over France and England.

Hadden added: “Both hookers threw in very well last week and as ever with selection it’s a case of trying to keep a blend between continuity, competition for places and experience.

“We’re very much looking forward to Saturday’s match. We know Scotland have never beaten South Africa here and that the Springboks are unbeaten at home for the last two years. We also know that they represent a formidable physical challenge.

“We have made some progress this year and Saturday will give us a good indication of where we stand against one of the top sides in the world.”

Scotland first played South Africa at Hampden Park in Glasgow on 17 November 1906 and won the match 6-0.(2 Accies and 1GHSFP played in this match)
On the bench, meanwhile, Hadden will trim one player from his squad before Saturday.

Scotland team (sponsor The Famous Grouse) to play South Africa at the ABSA Stadium, Durban on Sturday 10 June (kick-off 3pm SA time)
15 Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh Gunners)
14 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh Gunners)
13 Marcus Di Rollo (Edinburgh Gunners)
12 Andrw Henderson (Glasgow Warriors/Glasgow Hawks)
11 Sean Lamont (Northampton Saints)
10 Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Mike Blair (Edinburgh Gunners)*
1 Gavin Kerr (Leeds Tykes)
2 Scott Lawson (Glasgow Warriors)*
3 Bruce Douglas (Border Reivers)
4 Nathan Hines (Perpignan)
5 Scott Murray (Edinburgh Gunners)
6 Jason White (Sale Sharks) CAPTAIN
8 Allister Hogg (Edinburgh Gunners)*
7 Donnie Macfadyen (Glasgow Warriors)
Substitutes from
Dougie Hall (Edinburgh Gunners)
Craig Smith (Edinburgh Gunners)
Alastair Kellock (Edinburgh Gunners)*
Jon Petrie (Glasgow Warriors)
Kelly Brown (Border Reivers)*
Sam Pinder (Glasgow Warriors)
Gordon Ross (Leeds Tykes)
Simon Webster (Edinburgh Gunners)

This article was posted on 7-Jun-2006, 17:03 by Hugh Barrow.