BEST FORM OF DEVELOPMENT IS WINNING - LINEEN
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Scotland A head coach, Sean Lineen, believes that the best way for the players selected in today's 26-man IRB Nations Cup squad to improve is to develop a habit of winning.
Lineen's comments come as he names the A squad to defend the IRB Nations Cup having lifted the title last summer under the guidance of Scotland head coach Andy Robinson and captain Chris Cusiter.
 

Chris Fusaro - one of six newcomers to the Scotland A team
 
 
But although today's squad features eight players with international caps, the majority of the group are young and seeking to make the final step up to the national team, and Lineen is excited by the challenge that lies ahead.
"I'm excited," Lineen said, "with the senior Scotland squad going to Argentina this year, this is a real opportunity for another group of players to shine.
"It's all about managing the players at this stage of the season. We need to look after them so they are in the best possible condition to perform and enjoy the experience."
Scotland 'A' will play three games in Bucharest, firstly against Scotland's 2011 Rugby World Cup opponents, Georgia, who the Scots beat 69-3 at Firhill back in November 2008. Tests against Namibia and Argentina Jaguars will follow.
Lineen continued: "When you look at the teams we're facing, we have three very tough games.
"Obviously we're going over there to defend the Cup, but there's more pressure on us this year as the holders.
"There's a good mix of youth and experience, but it is mainly youth, however the best tool for these players' development is winning."
Six named players are uncapped at 'A' level - namely Alex Blair, Jack Cuthbert, Chris Fusaro, Bryan Rennie, Colin Shaw and Steven Turnbull.
The squad consists of 14 Edinburgh players, seven from Glasgow and three exiles. Sevens specialist Colin Shaw and National Academy flanker Fusaro, who will join Glasgow next season, are also named.
On his selection, Fusaro commented: "I was very surprised to get the call-up, it came totally out of the blue.
"I'm really looking forward to the tour though. It's going to be a great experience to go to Romania.
"I hope to get some game-time and gain some experience, but no matter what chances I get, I know I will have to take them."
A captain will be appointed in due course.
Scotland A squad (sponsor Murray) to compete at the IRB Nations Cup in Romania (11-20 June):
Forwards: Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), James Eddie, Calum Forrester (both Glasgow Warriors), Chris Fusaro (Heriot's)*, Roddy Grant, Ryan Grant, Ally Hogg, Andrew Kelly, Scott MacLeod (all Edinburgh), Fergus Thomson (Glasgow Warriors), Kyle Traynor, Steven Turnbull (both Edinburgh), Richie Vernon, Jon Welsh (both Glasgow Warriors)
Backs: Alex Blair, David Blair, Ben Cairns (all Edinburgh), Jack Cuthbert (Bath), Rob Dewey (Glasgow Warriors), John Houston, Greig Laidlaw (both Edinburgh), Mark McMillan (Glasgow Warriors), Bryan Rennie (Exeter Chiefs), Mark Robertson (Edinburgh), Colin Shaw (Scotland 7s), Nikki Walker (Ospreys)
* = Member of Scottish Rugby's National Academy
Scotland A's fixtures at the 2010 IRB Nations Cup - all to be played at the Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf
Scotland A v Georgia, Friday 11 June
Scotland A v Namibia, Tuesday 15 June
Argentina Jaguars v Scotland A, Sunday 20 June
Scotland 'A' Management Team
Head Coach: Sean Lineen
Assistant Coaches: Nick Scrivener & Stevie Scott
Team Manager: Jessica Robertson
Team Doctor: Dr Jonathan Hanson
Fitness Coach: Gary Sherriff
Performance Analyst: Robert Holdsworth
Media Manager: Stuart Martin
Kit Manager: Martin Stewart
 
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This article was originally posted on 19-May-2010, 06:46 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 20-May-2010, 18:45.