Stuart McInally: Could make his Test debut
Scotland coach Andy Robinson has named seven uncapped players in his 34-man training squad for the end-of-year internationals.
The uncapped players are: Stuart McInally, Alex Dunbar, Peter Horne, Peter Murchie, Tommy Seymour, Henry Pyrgos and Grant Gilchrist.
Edinburgh loose forward McInally and Glasgow Warriors' centre Dunbar both travelled with Scotland on their unbeaten tour of the southern hemisphere in June but did not get any game time.
Scotland face New Zealand on November 11 before taking on South Africa six days later and Tonga on November 24.
Joe Ansbro, Ben Cairns, Chris Cusiter, Rory Lamont, Graeme Morrison, Nikki Walker, Duncan Weir, Alasdair Dickinson, Ed Kalman, Stevie Lawrie, Moray Low, Pat MacArthur and Jon Welsh all miss out on selection due to injury.
Robinson is keen to build on his side's cleansweep of victories over Australia, Fiji and Samoa.
"It's always an exciting time when the Scotland squad comes together ahead of the first Test match of the season," he said.
"It's some four months since Scotland last played an international so when the squad reconvenes there'll be an element of renewing acquaintances and reigniting the spark and spirit that was such a key part of our success on our summer tour.
"New Zealand are formidable opponents. They do the basics exceptionally well and play with a pace and ruthlessness.
"It's no co-incidence that they are the best team in the world.
"We must look to build on the physical commitment of our players against Australia, Fiji and Samoa."
Scotland: Mike Blair (Brive),Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors), Max Evans (Castres), Stuart Hogg, Peter Horne and Ruaridh Jackson (all Glasgow Warriors), Lee Jones, Greig Laidlaw (both Edinburgh), Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Peter Murchie, Henry Pyrgos (both Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Tim Visser (Edinburgh), John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, David Denton, Ross Ford and Grant Gilchrist (all Edinburgh), Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors), Richie Gray (Sale Sharks), Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (London Irish), Stuart McInally and Ross Rennie (both Edinburgh), Tom Ryder (Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan), Kyle Traynor (Bristol).
Comments
melkdave says...
@Michtymauler
One thing ive lerned is you never write Scotland off ,in any match,and while your right concerning the clubs.The national side is a very different kettle of fish imo.Same with Wales atm ,clubs not doing well ,but national side ,well wouldnt say they didnt stand a chance .Imo same goes for Scotland as they have shown they can beat SA ,OZ ect on their day .SO ALWAYS HOPE MATE .
Posted 01:39 29th October 2012
Michtymauler says...
The omens aren't good for this squad! About the only player experiencing success is Kelly Brown at Saracens. Hopefully he will also take up the captaincy from Ford who was a complete failure last 6 Nations when Brown was injured. Ford has been playing poorly and was shocking against Saracens, unable to throw in the ball straight t numerous line outs and then losing the ball on Saracens goal line. His whole demeanour looks negative and witha by players off form and losing with their clubs, there needs to be a huge input of fresh inspiration. The front row is a major concern due to the injuries and I'm also surprised Murray has been omitted. I thought Greig Tonks wool have been name in the squad as his first few games with Edinburgh showed his attacking potential and he's a utility back able to play at 10.
Posted 18:16 24th October 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
A problem France and England have is selecting players from so many clubs and knitting a close team together. Lancaster reduced it a bit. Recently Scotland have been selecting from more clubs than either of them. Hard building working combinations from game one out of a 10 club squad.
Posted 14:05 24th October 2012
TVaddict says...
A mostly decent squad with a few stars like Gray, Denton and Hogg. I'd say the main concern here would be in the centres, with Ansbro missing it'll be missing that little bit of extra pace and flair. I hope they can pull of their typical shock victory!
Posted 13:39 24th October 2012
5Lock4ward says...
Sorry but are we really not going to acknowledge Euan Murray's absence here?
Posted 13:05 24th October 2012
admack says...
Great question Stumpy... I think he is still waiting on a visa tho..
Posted 12:29 24th October 2012
melkdave says...
Well imo thats the best squad available atm ,for Scotland ,alot of young players ,but Scotland have to chance their arm a bit and find potential class players who can grow with the team.Nice to see Gilchrist and Ryder in the squad as imo both are good potential partners for R.Grey long term .Also shame about Ansbro ,Welsh ,Weir and Kalman they would have added to the squad imo.
Posted 11:23 24th October 2012
stumpy says...
Obvious question is WHERE IS MAITLAND?!
Posted 11:15 24th October 2012