Scotland Under-18s Ready For Irish Challenge

Scotland, victors over France in their opening game, are expecting a stiff test from the host team Ireland in the second round of games at the 2008 Under-18 Six Nations Festival in Cork on Saturday.

Ireland lost their opening game of the Festival against Wales on Wednesday and the Scots are wary of a backlash from the hosts this weekend.

Scotland U-18 manager Euan Kennedy said: “We know there will be a good crowd at the game supporting the Irish team so we must overcome that. They will be desperate to win at home and we think it will be a tight game.

“We watched the video of their (25-6) loss against Wales and we were impressed with the organised defence they displayed so it’s up to us to try and break that down.”

Scotland beat France 10-8 at Cork IT on Wednesday and they will pose a big threat to Ireland, especially up front where they impressed in their last game.

The Scots have made a number of changes to their team – 11 in all – with Kennedy adding: “We have rotated the squad and the players who benched against France will start against Ireland because we want our players to develop and get as much experience as possible.”

SCOTLAND UNDER-18 TEAM & REPLACEMENTS (v Ireland U-18 Schools, 2008 U-18 Six Nations Festival, Saturday, March 29, Musgrave Park, kick-off 2.30pm):

15 – Tom Brown (Edinburgh Academy)

14 – Rory Drummond (Bell Baxter/Howe of Fife)

13 – Alex Blair (Edinburgh Academy)

12 – Alec Dunbar (Annan)

11 – Seamus McKenzie (Murrayfield Wanderers)

10 – Ross Aitken (Bell Baxter/Howe of Fife)

9 – Alex Black (Prince Henrys School)

1 – Luke Pettie (Gala Wanderers)

2 – Alun Walker (Musselburgh)

3 – Nicky Little (Hawick)

4 – Callum Connor (Bradford Grammar)

5 – Robert Harley (West of Scotland)

6 – Michael Maltman (Musselburgh)

7 – Michael Fedo (Bell Baxter/Howe of Fife)

8 – Stuart McInally (George Watsons College) (capt)

Replacements:

16 – Mungo Strachan (Fettes College)

17 – Andrew Fraser (York)

18 – Craig Owenson (Musselburgh)

19 – Ross Sutherland (Sandbach)

20 – Russell Weir (Merchiston Castle School)

21 – Jamie Harris (Merchiston Castle School)

22 – Sam Hughes (Merchiston Castle School)

23 – Grant Gilchrist (Stirling County)

24 – Jason Hill (Stirling County)

25 – Michael Tait (Kelso Quins)

26 – Max Learmouth (Berwick)