Improvement needed as U20s seek first win

Sean Lineen is looking for an improved performance from his Scotland Under-20 side as they take on France in the fourth round of the Under-20 Six Nations on Wednesday afternoon at Cardiff Arms Park.

The young Scots suffered a crushing 43-3 defeat at the hands of Italy last week, their third loss of the tournament but it was the manner of the reverse which disappointed Lineen.

“The performance against Italy last week was disappointing, we know from the England game that this squad can perform and compete better than that,” said the coach, inset. “With selection this week we’ve looked to give more opportunities to players who have shown what they can do in training.

“We know that France will bring a tough and physical battle to the pitch, we’ll look to win the breakdown at every opportunity, apply pressure and score some points.”

Alex Samuel will once again captain the side from the second row where he will partner Euan Ferrie.

In the front row, Tom Banatalava will make his first start at loosehead prop whilst Corey Bowker will make his Scotland U20 debut when he starts at tighthead.

Euan Cunningham makes his first start of the tournament at scrumhalf where he will partner Christian Townsend at standoff to form a new halfback partnership.

Scotland U20 (v France U20, today, Cardiff Arms Park, 5pm): 15. Ollie Melville; 14. Ross Mcknight, 13. Thomas Glendinning, 12. Michael Gray, 11. Finlay Callaghan; 10. Christian Townsend, 9. Euan Cunningham; 1.Tom Banatvala,

2. Patrick Harrison, 3. Corey Bowker, 4. Euan Ferrie, 5. Alex Samuel, 6. Archie Smeaton, 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Rory Jackson. Replacements: 16. Duncan Hood, 17. Michael Jones, 18. George Breese, 19. Max Williamson, 20. Ollie Leatherbarrow,

21. Ben Muncaster, 22. Murray Redpath,

23. Ethan Mcvickar, 24. Elliot Gourlay, 25. Adam Scott, 26. Alex Clayton.