Scotland ring the changes as Robinson prepares for England
Published:It’s not just England who have been undergoing some serious changes since the Rugby World Cup – Scotland have also been going through a quiet revolution.
Coach Andy Robinson has made eight changes to the side who lost 16-12 to England in New Zealand but his team still head into the game as narrow 5/4 outsiders.
Edinburgh winger Lee Jones has been named in the team and will make his debut following an impressive couple of months for the capital side that saw him run in three Heineken Cup tries.
Glasgow duo Rory Lamont and Chris Cusiter have been called up, while David Denton and Ross Rennie have also been included in the back row following their impressive performances for Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, in the pack, lock Jim Hamilton, flanker Ross Rennie and No.8 David Denton have also been named in the starting XV.
Scotland have won two of their last three at Murrayfield against England – drawing the last encounter 15-15 in 2010 – and the 5/4 for them to win looks generous.
This is hardly a confidence-inspiring England team and, despite all the good work of Stuart Lancaster in rebuilding from the ruins of their abysmal world cup, they will have their work cut out against the Scots.
England are 4/6 to bag the win but backing the Scots with a two-point head start at 10/11 looks like a great way of cashing in on this clash between two new-look teams.
Full Scotland team
15. Rory Lamont – Glasgow Warriors
14. Lee Jones – Edinburgh
13. Nick De Luca – Edinburgh
12. Sean Lamont – Scarlets
11. Max Evans – Castres
10. Dan Parks – Cardiff Blues
9. Chris Cusiter – Glasgow Warriors
1. Allan Jacobsen – Edinburgh
2. Ross Ford – Edinburgh
3. Euan Murray – Newcastle
4. Richie Gray – Glasgow Warriors
5. Jim Hamilton – Gloucester
6. Alasdair Strokosch – Gloucester
7. Ross Rennie – Edinburgh
8. David Denton – Edinburgh
