Share

Scotland names Test squad

Glasgow - Scotland coach Andy Robinson has named four uncapped players in his squad for the Test series against New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa.

Glasgow stand-off Ruaridh Jackson, Edinburgh pair Greig Laidlaw and Jim Thompson, and Northampton back Joe Ansbro were named to Robinson's 34-man group on Wednesday.

Jackson has been playing regularly for Glasgow since Dan Parks left for Cardiff and is relishing the challenge of competing against his former team-mate and Chris Paterson for the number 10 jersey.

He said: "I'm really happy and excited to be involved in these Tests and I can't wait for the start of the training camp.

"Obviously you want to be playing in the games, but there's great competition with Dan and Mossy.

"I just need to try my best and we'll see what happens from there."

Gloucester scrum-half Rory Lawson has been selected as he prepares to return from a hand injury. Alastair Kellock has been ruled out of the clash against the All Blacks at Murrayfield on November 13 with a knee injury, but he may return to the fold before the series finishes, when Samoa visit Pittodrie on November 27.

Robinson has also not ruled out bringing other players in after the New Zealand contest.

Along with the four uncapped players, Ross Rennie is looking to kick-start his international career after recovering from knee problems to make the squad. The Edinburgh flanker is excited about the prospect of adding to the cap he won when coming on against Ireland in 2008.

The 24-year-old said: "I've been really enjoying my rugby this season and just want to keep working hard at my game.

"There are a number of huge fixtures coming up for both Edinburgh and the national team, and, like any player, I'd love to be involved.

"The guys did brilliantly to win in Argentina in the summer, so they'll come into these Tests with plenty of confidence and keen to give the fans another few results to remember."

As well as Kellock, Chris Cusiter, Johnnie Beattie, Nick de Luca, Phil Godman and Simon Danielli are unavailable through injury. With Cusiter out, Robinson will name his captain closer to the match against the All Blacks.

He said: "I will be looking for members of our leaders' group to step up and take on greater responsibility."

The squad will gather at St Andrews for a training camp from November 1-3 and reconvene on November 7.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE