Experienced duo boost Club XV for trophy bid

Scotland’s Club XV have been boosted by the availability of Heriot’s backrow Jason Hill and Melrose centre Craig Jackson as they prepare to take on their Irish counterparts in Dublin this evening.

Seven days ago in the Dalriada Cup first leg 23-9 defeat at Gala’s Netherdale ground, the Scots were a bit lacklustre and know they will have to put in a better showing this time if they are to turnaround the aggregate score and win the trophy.

The selection of Hill and Jackson, both experienced campaigners, should help in some part with that, while Watsonians hooker Ross Graham has also recovered from a knee injury to bring some dynamism to the front row.

Scotland Club XV head coach Rob Chrystie said: “We know this weekend’s going to be a huge challenge, but the squad are really looking forward to getting out there.

“If we’re honest, we were pretty disappointed with last Friday and we’ll be looking to right a few wrongs from that.

“We know we’re chasing things a little bit after the first leg, but we’ve trained well on Monday night and it’s important to make the most of these sessions when we get the opportunity.”

As well as Hill, Jackson and Graham, Melrose’s Patrick Anderson and Iain Wilson join the starting XV from the bench on the wing and at back row respectively.

Anderson’s selection means that Craig Gossman shifts from the wing to fullback, while on the bench there are a number of new faces with Conor Young, Lewis Skinner, Kaleem Barreto and Jamie Forbes ready to come on and make an impact if required.