Lineen rings under-20 changes

SCOTLAND under-20 head coach Sean Lineen has shaken up his side in response to the 34-7 defeat to their Irish counterparts, as they prepare to meet England in Galashiels.

As is the case with the senior teams, both the Scots and English lost their opening matches of the shadow Six Nations Championship, England going down 21-15 away to France. Only winger Jamie Farndale, Neil Herron, the inside centre, and Melrose stand-off Ben Chalmers remain in their positions in the back division.

Damien Hoyland moves from outside centre to the wing and full-back Ruairidh Young and last Friday’s tryscorer Ben Vellacott are handed starts. Melrose centre Blair Hutchison comes into the starting line-up from the extended squad.

Up front, prop Jack Cosgrove steps up from the bench, and Buchan Richardson and Magnus Bradbury swap back row positions. Glasgow Hawks’ Chris Barnes, Scotland Sevens player Chris Dean and former England under-18, Northampton and Canterbury flanker Gabriel Carroll all come into the squad.

“We need to improve on the Irish game,” said Lineen. “It was a steep learning curve for the players but they have responded well in training this week.

“We now face the current world champions, England, chock-full of Aviva [Premiership] and even Heineken [Cup] experience.”

There are high hopes of a big crowd at Netherdale tomorrow night (7.30pm kick-off), where entry is free to under-18s, £5 for concessions and £10 to adults.