Scotland

Cross handed Scotland debut

Wednesday, February 04 Scotland have awarded a first cap to 26-year-old Edinburgh tight-head prop Geoff Cross as they begin their 2009 RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign against Wales at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Cross, a qualified doctor, who becomes Scotland’s 1012th internationalist, is one of six changes from the team that started Scotland’s last match, the 41-0 victory over Canada, with Hugo Southwell, Graeme Morrison, Sean Lamont, Jason White and Allister Hogg – who have 207 caps between them – all returning.

White, who will be winning his 70th cap, was introduced at lock during the Calcutta Cup win against England last year and has impressed in the boiler-house for his club Sale.

Ben Cairns, who made his debut on the tour of Argentina last summer, will make his first Six Nations appearance.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden said: “I have been referring recently to the growing strength in depth of the Scotland squad. The quality of the side we’ve chosen to play Wales is an excellent example of that.”

On the selection of Geoff Cross, Hadden reflected: “Geoff first joined the squad during our tour of Argentina last summer and we have every confidence in him. Having waited patiently through five games, it’s great that he now has this opportunity.”

Neither Euan Murray (rib) nor Nathan Hines (knee) could be considered for Sunday’s match. Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “They continue to make slow but steady progress. It’s too early at this stage to give an accurate prognosis of whether they will be available for selection for next week.”

Scotland team

H Southwell (Edinburgh); S Webster (Edinburgh), B Cairns (Edinburgh), G Morrison (Glasgow), S Lamont (Northampton); P Godman, M Blair (capt); A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), R Ford (Edinburgh), G Cross (Edinburgh), J White (Sale), J Hamilton (Edinburgh), A Hogg (Edinburgh), S Taylor (Stade Francais), J Barclay (Glasgow).

Replacements: D Hall (Glasgow), A Dickinson (Gloucester), K Brown (Glasgow), S Gray (Northampton), C Cusiter (Perpignan), C Paterson (Edinburgh), M Evans (Glasgow).

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