EDINBURGH - Otago's Brendan Laney is to play for Scotland A against the All Blacks, just six days after arriving in Edinburgh, and is a serious prospect for Saturday's Murrayfield test.
Laney has not played a game in Scotland, yet Scots coach Ian McGeechan insisted today he would not hesitate to throw him into the test.
"He could play on Saturday -- why not?," McGeechan said after his side lost to Argentina.
"If he is the best available fullback and he is eligible to play (so) I don't think it would be contentious at all."
Laney qualifies for selection due to his Scottish grandmother.
He is also exempt from the International Rugby Board's (IRB) three-year stand down period for players switching allegiance, as he has not represented New Zealand.
With New Zealander Glenn Metcalfe joining Chris Paterson on the injured list, McGeechan is short of fullback options.
Derrick Lee earned a Scotland recall for today's 16-25 loss to Argentina, capping a solid performance and his first test try.
McGeechan told reporters Laney would play for the Scotland A team against the All Blacks in Perth on Tuesday.
Laney, 27, signed a three-year deal with Edinburgh after an outstanding season with the Otago Highlanders where he was their top points and try scorer.
He scored 16 points in Otago's 19-30 loss to Canterbury in the NPC final last month.
- NZPA
Rugby: Laney to face All Blacks and may play test
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