Scotland names panel for autumn internationals
Four uncapped players were included by Scottish manager Andy Robinson in his 34 man panel for Scotland’s autumn international season.
Northampton’s Joe Ansbro, Glasgow out-half Ruaridh Jackson, and Edinburgh duo Jim Thompson and Greig Laidlaw have all being given the chance by Andy Robinson to impress for Scotland.
Rory Lawson and Ross Rennie both make the panel, despite only just returning from injury.
Yet, Scotland will have to make do without Chris Cusiter, Simon Danielli, Phil Godman, Johnnie Beattie and Nick de Luca, who are all injured and will miss all three Test games.
The Scottish team will play New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa in November and open up with a tough Test against the All Blacks.
Robinson will also have to make do without captain Alastair Kellock for the matches against New Zealand and South Africa, but the lock is expected to return for the game against Samoa.
In Kellock’s absence, Robinson will be looking for the senior players to make a big contribution in the opening two games.
“I will be looking for members of our leaders’ group to step up and take on greater responsibility,” said the Scottish coach.
Jackson is one of the most interesting of Robinson’s pick. The out-half has taken over from Dan Parks at Edinburgh who left the club to join Cardiff.
However, the 22-year-old is not expected to start against New Zealand or South Africa with Parks and Chris Patterson vying for the number 10 position.
"I’m really happy and excited to be involved in the autumn Tests and I can’t wait for the start of the training camp,” said Jackson.
“Obviously you want to be playing in the games, but there’s great competition,” he added.
Robinson is expected to give Jackson his debut against Samoa, but the out-half is just looking forward to linking up with the Scottish squad.
“I just need to try my best and we'll see what happens from there,” he said.
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