THE HERALD REPORTS

Tough ask for young Scots but coach remains optimistic
ALAN LORIMER February 06 2009
Eamon John has one of the hardest jobs in rugby north of the border, but the Scotland Under-20 coach is still hopeful of steering his charges in a positive direction when they open their U20 Six Nations Championship campaign at McDiarmid Park tonight.

The past record of Scotland at this level sadly speaks for itself. A whitewash in the Six Nations last season and a difficult passage through the inaugural U20 World Cup in Wales last June has done little to instil confidence. But it is worth remembering that whatever the results, players such as Ruaraidh Jackson have emerged from the experience with a good future ahead of them.

Scotland struggled against Wales last season and given the make-up of the visitors' side this year - the team includes Dragons' first choice Jason Tovey at full-back - it is hard to see the Scots pulling off a surprise win.

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"I've emphasised that we have to take our game to them," said John. "What we don't want is us watching them play rugby. We have to make Wales adjust to us.

"We've got some players who experienced the World Cup last year and lot of good individual talent. But the proof is in the playing.

"Home advantage could help and if we're competitive with 10 minutes to go then who knows what could happen. We're hoping for a good home crowd who can get behind us. But we have to make them get excited about our play."

The team is based largely on the players who have come through the age grades at U18 and U19 levels. The one newcomer to the side is the Loughborough scrum-half, Henry Pyrgos.

Last year's U18 captain, Stuart McInally, is promoted to the back row alongside two of Scotland's Sevens players, Chris Fusaro and Struan Dewar.

The side is captained by the former Merchiston hooker, Fraser Brown, who along with front row colleagues Gavin Cameron and Dave Morton played in the U20 World Cup last year.

This article was originally posted on 6-Feb-2009, 08:06 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 6-Feb-2009, 08:08.