MATCH WINNER MCGOWAN TO START AGAINST THE IRISH
Thursday, 12 March 2009


Robbie McGowan sparks an attack in Scotland's 6 Nation victory over Wales

Scotland under-20 match winner Robbie McGowan has been selected to start against Ireland at McDiarmid Park, Perth tomorrow (Friday 13 March, kick-off 7.30pm).

The Stirling County back was instrumental in Scotland’s fight-back against Italy – creating a try and kicking two high pressure penalties – and has been repaid with a starting slot at the expense of Peter Horne (West of Scotland) who is on the bench.

First choice centre Robbie Johnston (Leeds University and Leeds Carnegie) returns from injury and rejoins the starting line-up as a straight replacement for Steven Wilson (Stirling County) to face the Irish who, like their senior team, are undefeated and going for the Grand Slam.

Scotland under-20 team manager, John Jeffrey, said: “Robbie [McGowan] came on against Italy and played very well and made a very big difference.

“He came in and put his hand up and deserves his chance – it’s a squad game and we’ve made it clear to the players that playing opportunities are there for the taking.”

On the prospect of facing a side that have already seen off French and English opposition Jeffrey added: “Ireland are a very good side, they’re very confident and well coached but we don’t worry too much about the opposition.

“We’ve won two out of three games so there’s a lot of confidence and a lot of belief in the squad – the players thoroughly enjoyed playing in front of the vociferous home crowd at McDiarmid Park and they’re all looking forward to running out in front of them again.”

Scotland under-20 team (sponsor Martin Currie) to play Ireland at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Friday 13 February (kick-off 7.30pm)

15 Robbie McGowan (Stirling County)

14 Paul Loudon (Durham University and Edinburgh Academicals) CAPTAIN
13 Ashleah McCulloch+ (Aberdeen Grammar Rugby)
12 Robbie Johnston (Leeds University and Leeds Carnegie)
11 Grant Anderson* (Ayr)

10 Andrew White+ (Glasgow Hawks)
9 Henry Pyrgos (Loughborough University)

1 Gavin Cameron+ (Boroughmuir)
2 Finlay Gilles + (Heriot’s)
3 David Morton (Bridgwater)
4 Nick Campbell+ (Glasgow Hawks)
5 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Struan Dewar+ (Heriot’s)
8 Stuart McInally* (Watsonians)
7 Chris Fusaro* (Heriot’s)

Replacements
16 Ryan McConnell + (Peebles)
17 Douglas Orr+ (Haddington)
18 James Taylor (Loughborough University and Dundee HSFP)
19 Tom Drennan+ (Edinburgh Academicals)
20 Peter Jericevich* (Glasgow Hawks)
21 Peter Horne* (West of Scotland)
22 Adam McKenzie (Northumbria University)

* = denotes National Academy
+ = denotes National Academy supported by Area Institute of Sport

Admission is free to all Scotland’s age-grade, A, and Women’s 6 Nations home matches. No tickets or vouchers are required

Remaining Scotland under-20 6 Nations fixtures:
Friday 13 March - Scotland under-20 v Ireland under-20, McDiarmid Park, Perth (kick-off, 7.30pm)
Friday 20 March - England under-20 v Scotland under-20, Sixways Stadium, Worcester (kick-off 8pm)

FREE TO ATTEND REPRESENTATIVE AND AGE-GRADE FIXTURES

Scotland Women
Friday 13 March – Scotland v Ireland, Meggetland (kick-off 7.30pm)

Scotland under-20
Friday 13 March – Scotland under-20 v Ireland under-20, McDiarmid Park, Perth (kick-off, 7.30pm)

Scotland under-18 6 Nations Festival preparation fixtures
Sunday 29 March – Scotland under-18 v The Boys Club of Wales, Bridgehaugh (kick-off 2pm)

Scotland club international
Friday 13 March – Club International v Ireland, Myreside (kick-off, 7.30pm)

This article was originally posted on 12-Mar-2009, 10:52 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 12-Mar-2009, 10:52.