Cross set for Scotland debut
Edinburgh prop Geoff Cross to make Scotland debut against Wales
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Wednesday, 04, Feb 2009 12:38
Edinburgh prop Geoff Cross is in line to make his Scotland debut in the Six Nations opener against Wales after being named in Frank Hadden's starting lineup.
The 26-year-old will start the international Test at Murrayfield in the front row in one of six changes to the team that beat Canada 41-0 in their last match in November 2008.
Hadden's team selection also includes several experienced stars, who return after missing the final autumn international, with Hugo Southwell, Graeme Morrison, Sean Lamont, Jason White and Allister Hogg all named in the XV.
However, there is no place for star kicker Chris Paterson who sees Edinburgh's Phil Godman preferred at fly-half and Southwell named at full-back.
On the call-up for the uncapped Cross, Hadden said: "Geoff first joined the squad during our tour of Argentina last summer and we have every confidence in him.
"Having waited patiently through five games, it's great that he now has this opportunity."
Hadden also referred to the "growing strength" of his Scotland squad as a reason for the omission of experienced campaigners like Paterson.
"The quality of the side we've chosen to play Wales is an excellent example of [this depth]," he added.
Full Scotland team to face Wales at Murrayfield on Sunday February 8th:
15 Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh)
14 Simon Webster (Edinburgh)
13 Ben Cairns (Edinburgh)
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors)
11 Sean Lamont (Northampton Saints)
10 Phil Godman (Edinburgh)
9 Mike Blair (Edinburgh, captain)
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh)
4 Jason White (Sale Sharks)
5 Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh)
6 Allister Hogg (Edinburgh)
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors)
8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais)
Replacements:
16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors)
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester)
18 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors)
19 Scott Gray (Northampton Saints)
20 Chris Cusiter (Perpignan)
21 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh)
22 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors)