Enforced changes to defeated Scots U20 line-up after Borderer Morris' red card

The Borders players in Scotland’s Under-20 line-up last week endured a torrid time with their teammates as the Six Nations campaign got under way in Cardiff.
Christian Townsend and, right, Rhys TaitChristian Townsend and, right, Rhys Tait
Christian Townsend and, right, Rhys Tait

Flanker Harri Morris, of Southern Knights, picked up a three-game ban after being sent off for dangerous play as the young Scots crashed 38-7 against Ireland – so changes were always going to be foisted on head coach Sean Lineen as he selected his squad for tomorrow’s (Friday) match against England.

The second-round encounter kicks off at Cardiff Arms Park at 2pm – live on S4C Click and YouTube.

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Edinburgh Rugby’s number eight Ben Muncaster will captain the side, as squad rotation means second row Alex Samuel moves to the bench.

As in round one, the match-day squad will consist of 26 players, with eight substitutions permitted to be made during the game.

Patrick Harrison of Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby, retains his place at hooker, while a new half-back pairing will be formed between scrum half Murray Redpath of Newcastle University – younger brother of Cameron and son of Galashiels’ former Scotland great Bryan Redpath – and stand-off Christian Townsend, son of ex-Gala ace and current Scotland senior head coach, Gregor Townsend.

Amid other positional and personnel changes, last week’s fly half Cammy Scott (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby), who converted last weekend’s Scotland try, moves out to inside centre to create a new midfield combination with Scott King, who retains his place at outside centre.

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Elliot Gourlay of Sale Sharks, who scored the try against Ireland, moves from inside centre to take up a starting position at full-back.

Rhys Tait, of Southern Knights, starts once again on the replacements’ bench, while Ethan McVicker, of Melrose Rugby, who replaced Redpath last weekend, drops out of the reckoning.

Lineen said: “The team learned a lot from the game against Ireland last weekend. For some players, that was their first taste of international rugby. As well as learnings, there were a number of positives to take from the first-half performance.

“The squad has trained really well this week. Several players have put their hands up and moved into starting positions with others getting their first opportunity to be involved.

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“We know England will look to play deep from their own half, which we are prepared for.”

Scotland U20 team to face England on June 25 at Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff (kick-off 2pm):

15 Elliot Gourlay (Sale Sharks), 14 Ross McKnight (Stirling County), 13 Scott King (Heriot’s Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby), 12 Cameron Scott (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby), 11 Michael Gray (Boroughmuir Bears/Glasgow Warriors), 10 Christian Townsend (Ayrshire Bulls), 9 Murray Redpath (Newcastle University), 1 Michael Jones (Boroughmuir Bears), 2 Patrick Harrison (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby), 3 George Breese (Stirling Wolves), 4,Euan Ferrie (Glasgow Hawks), 5 Max Williamson (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors), 6 Rory Jackson (Ayrshire Bulls/Glasgow Warriors), 8 Ben Muncaster captain (Watsonians Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby), 7 Ollie Leatherbarrow (Exeter University).Replacements – 16 Jamie Drummond (Ayrshire Bulls), 17 Tom Banatvala (Durham University), 18 Olly Frostick (Ealing Trailfinders), 19 Alex Samuel (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors), 20 Rhys Tait (Southern Knights), 21 Euan Cunningham (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors), 22 Thomas Glendinning (Glasgow Hawks), 23 Ollie Melville (Boroughmuir Bears/Glasgow Warriors), 24 Adam Scott (GHA), 25 Finlay Callaghan (Ayrshire Bulls/Glasgow Warriors), 26 Alex Clayton (Bath University).