Lineen backs young guns to rise to occasion against Irish

Head coach Sean Lineen has named his Scotland U20 side to play their Irish counterparts in the opening game of the Six Nations Championship this Friday at Broadwood Stadium .

Of the 23-man squad named, 16 players are products of the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy and eight have experience of playing international rugby at U20 level.

Lineen said: “A lot of players have made a statement during the preparation camps and their hard work and effort has merited a spot in the side.

“A lot of those involved this week are new to the international stage, but they have the quality to compete and we have no doubt they will rise to the occasion.

“Ireland are going to be physical and astute, and we’ll have to be at the top of our game to match them in all facets. However, we’re going to relish in the challenge and we look forward to doing so in front of our home support.”

Hawick’s Darcy Graham is set to start at full-back, with Ross McCann and Robbie Nairn occupying the wings. Cameron Hutchison and Craig Pringle start in midfield, with AndrewSimmersandJoshHenderson forming the half-back duo.

In the forwards, George Thornton and Adam Nicol pack-down at prop either side of hooker Fraser Renwick.

Luke Crosbie and Matt Fagerson start on the blindside and openside flank respectively.

The game, which kicks-off at 8pm, is live on Scottish Rugby TV.