Scoland Rugby: March 5, 2014 - Seven players retain their places in the Scotland under-20 starting XV against their French counterparts this Friday (7 March), from the team who were defeated in Italy two weeks ago.

The fixture at Netherdale, which kicks off at 7.30pm, has the Scots looking for their first win in this 6 Nations while France have won all three of their games so far and head the championship table.

In the backs, Damien Hoyland moves from wing to full back, Ruairidh Young swaps the 15 shirt for a start at centre in place of Richard Taylor who is unavailable for this game, and Sam Pequeur moves from the bench to wing.

The forward pack sees James Malcolm and D'arcy Rae come off the bench to start at hooker and prop respectively, Lewis Carmichael moves from blindside flanker to lock, with captain Tommy Spinks taking the number 6 jersey. Meanwhile there will be a first cap for Loughborough University's Gabriel Carroll at openside while Phil Cringle and Glen Young move to the bench.

Edinburgh-born hooker Isaac Miller and centre Cameron Jeffery come into the squad on the bench where they're joined by fullback Gavin Lowe, fresh from his league win with Glasgow Hawks over Heriot's last Saturday, and Edinburgh Rugby EDP Neil Irvine-Hess.

Retaining his position at scrum half is Murdo McAndrew (pictured) who began his career with Howe of Fife and currently plays in France for Clermont Auvergne.

McAndrew said: "We were really disappointed with how things went in Italy and are determined to give 100% against the French on Friday."

"Four of my club team mates are in the French squad so I know what we'll be up against. They have a big, aggressive pack and will be full of confidence going into this game, on the back of their three wins."

"Our training has been going well this week, there are good vibes around the camp and we're determined to put things right with a win to break their run.”

Head coach Sean Lineen added: "We are looking forward to returning to Netherdale to continue our learning experience. The players are keen to take onto the pitch what they have learned over the last few weeks."

"The French are three-from-three and will provide a massive challenge for all of us - but who better to bounce back against."

Entry to the game is £10 for adults, concessions £5 with under-18s free. The match will also be streamed live online on Scottish Rugby's YouTube channel, Scottish Rugby TV.

Scotland under-20 team against France under-20, Friday 7 March, Netherdale, kick-off 7.30pm


15 Damien Hoyland (Melrose) *
14 Jamie Farndale (Edinburgh Accies/Edinburgh Rugby) **
13 Blair Hutchison (Melrose/Loughborough University)
12 Ruairidh Young (Edinburgh Accies)
11 Sam Pequeur (Edinburgh Accies)
10 Ben Chalmers (Melrose)
9 Murdo McAndrew (Clermont Auvergne)

1 Jack Cosgrove (Worcester Warriors)
2 James Malcolm (Ayr) *
3 D'arcy Rae (Ayr) **
4 Andrew Cramond (Aberdeen Grammar)
5 Lewis Carmicheal (Melrose) *
6 Tommy Spinks (capt) (London Scottish)
7 Gabriel Carroll (Loughborough University)
8 Magnus Bradbury (Boroughmuir/Edinburgh Rugby) **

Substitutes

16 Isaac Miller (Loughborough University)
17 Philip Cringle (Edinburgh Accies/Edinburgh Rugby) **
18 Chris Barnes (Glasgow Hawks) *
19 Glen Young (Newcastle Falcons)
20 Neil Irvine-Hess (Watsonians/ Edinburgh Rugby)**
21 Ben Vellacott (Gloucester/Hartpury)
22 Cameron Jeffery (Bristol University)
23 Gavin Lowe (Glasgow Hawks/ Glasgow Warriors)**

* member of Scottish Rugby's Regional Academy supported by sportscotland Institute of Sport
** Elite Development Player 2013/14

This article was posted on 5-Mar-2014, 19:33 by Hugh Barrow.