Scotland have recalled Euan Murray and Alasdair Strokosch into their squad for this Saturday's Six Nations clash with Wales at Murrayfield.
Tighthead prop Murray and 31-times-capped Perpignan flanker Strokosch both missed last month's 12-8 win over Ireland.
32-year-old Murray was unavailable as he will not play on Sunday for religious reasons, while Strokosch was ruled out by a facial injury he suffered in the Calcutta Cup defeat at Twickenham.
Of those who were in the match-day 23 against Ireland only back-row David Denton is absent having sustained knee damage while on duty for Edinburgh in their PRO12 loss to the Scarlets at the weekend.
Uncapped Glasgow Warriors number eight Ryan Wilson, who led Scotland A to their win against England Saxons last month, takes over.
The Scotland team to face the Welsh at Murrayfield will be announced on Tuesday.
Scotland squad:
Backs: Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors), Max Evans (Castres), Tom Heathcote (Bath ), Stuart Hogg, Peter Horne, Ruaridh Jackson, Sean Kennedy (all Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw, Matt Scott, Tim Visser (all Edinburgh ), Sean Lamont, Sean Maitland, Peter Murchie, Henry Pyrgos (all Glasgow Warriors), Nikki Walker (Worcester Warriors) and Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors).
Forwards: John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh ), Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), Ross Ford (Edinburgh ), Richie Gray (Sale Sharks), Ryan Grant, Dougie Hall (both Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Rob Harley, Alastair Kellock, Moray Low, Pat MacArthur (all Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors), Tom Ryder (Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan), Jon Welsh and Ryan Wilson (both Glasgow Warriors)
Comments
Michtymauler says...
I agree Melk however Murray usually gets the nod so may start. Harley has been a find so I think he needs to start again instead of Strokosch.. Lamont missed a few tackles last match but I'm not sure Johnson would stick Dunbar in against experienced welsh centres.. Pity for Lamont if he's dropped as anyone can see he is very passionate about playing for Scotland and he is a winger! If the Scottish backs get some ball this week, could be an interesting battle against the welsh backs..
Posted 19:36 04th March 2013
NHsaints says...
Scotland's strength in depth has just been handed a huge boost, if Scotland can match Wales in the scrum I think they could get on top and sneak away with another huge but hard fought win which is exactly what I want and what England want as well, it'll make our title credentials all the more realistic. Not to mention it'll be great for the Scottish game...then hopefully the last game against a resurgent France will be one too far for Scotland and England will have to win the championship regardless of other last round results.
Posted 19:06 04th March 2013
atg77 says...
Agree regarding Lamont Melkdave. The underusage of the Scottish back three is bordering on the criminal; and things are not going to change with an outside center who can't pass. I would agree with Dunbar replacing Lamont, but long term the answer has to be in Mark Bennett.
Posted 18:42 04th March 2013
melkdave says...
As ive said before i dont think id change the starting XV, i feel G.Cross played very well against Ieland and deserves to start ,If things go wrong at least E.Murray is on the bench ,.Same goes for Storkosch, on the bench for D.Denton.Only changes id consider would be Weir for Jackson ,and Dunbar for Lamont who might be better for releasing the back 3??
Posted 17:53 04th March 2013