Welsh faces Wales
SCOTLAND recalled prop Jon Welsh for his first test since the last World Cup as they named their team on Wednesday for the Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff today.
Injuries among the front rowers means a return for the 31-year-old for the first time since the 2015 World Cup.
At that tournament, Welsh was penalised for being offside to hand Australia a late penalty to win their quarter-final in a controversial decision World Rugby later said was wrong.
Welsh is among six changes to the side that beat Australia as Scotland seek to build on the momentum of three strong home performances in November when they defeated Samoa, almost upset world champions New Zealand and thrashed the Wallabies.
Scotland’s 36-year-old hooker Scott Lawson, who has not played an international since 2014, provides cover on the bench in a further reflection of the selection crisis among the forwards for coach Gregor Townsend.
Full back Stuart Hogg returns after missing the 53-24 win over Australia at Murrayfield, with Greig Laidlaw among the substitutes having not played for Scotland since the last Six Nations.
Chris Harris starts for the first time with Huw Jones being moved to inside centre to accommodate him.
“We’ve selected a squad that we believe can start the Six Nations with the intensity and speed required to win in Cardiff,” Townsend told a news conference on Wednesday.
“Last year’s championship highlighted that every game is a fierce competition and that all teams have to play at their very best to win away from home. Delivering that level of performance has been firmly in our thoughts during our preparations this week.
“We’re expecting a really physical game against a very good team. Wales have one of the best defences in the game and an attack that sees forwards passing much more and a structure that enables backs to get on ball,” the coach added.
Scotland have lost their previous eight away games against Wales in the Six Nations, last winning 27-22 in Cardiff in 2002.
Six Nations champions England have received a timely boost, and head coach Eddie Jones an unexpected birthday present, ahead of their 2018 campaign opener against Italy with several players returning from injury ahead of schedule.
Flanker Chris Robshaw, lock Maro Itoje and full back Mike Brown have all been cleared to play, while winger Jack Nowell is also back in training, though tomorrow’s game in Rome will come to early for him.
“The injury news is the best birthday present of all,” said Jones, who turned 58 on Tuesday.
France face Ireland in the other Six Nations opener at the Stade de France today.