* Jones rewarded for impressive Heineken Cup displays
* Eight changes from World Cup clash
(Adds detail, quotes)
Jan 31 (Reuters) – Edinburgh wing Lee Jones will make
his Scotland debut against England in their Six Nations clash at
Murrayfield on Saturday after coach Andy Robinson unveiled a
team showing eight changes from their World Cup pool game
against the same opponents.
Chris Paterson has retired and Joe Ansbro and Ruaridh
Jackson are recovering from injury but the five other changes
are down to selection.
Although there is a new look to the side who narrowly lost
that Auckland pool encounter in October, the team announced on
Tuesday is packed with experience and six players in the match
squad have each won more than 50 caps.
Dan Parks will start at flyhalf outside Chris Cusiter while
captain and hooker Ross Ford will pack down in a strong front
row alongside Allan Jacobsen and Euan Murray.
Former captain Alastair Kellock is on the bench as Jim
Hamilton and Richie Gray start at lock while 21-year-old David
Denton will make his first start in the back row.
“I’ve been pleased with the consistency Lee Jones has shown
and he fully deserves to win his first cap,” Robinson said in a
statement.
“Form has played a part in selection. Edinburgh’s
qualification for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals and Glasgow’s
performances mean that competition for places has intensified,
particularly in the back row.
Continued…
