Scotland make one change for Wales match

EDINBURGH - Scotland have made one change to their starting line-up for the Six Nations rugby match against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday, dropping hooker Doug Hall from the team that stunned France in favour of Scott Lawson.

Hall was omitted from the 22 man squad and Border Reivers hooker Ross Ford has earned a place on the bench at the Millennium Stadium.

"The change is for two reasons," said coach Frank Hadden, whose side opened their campaign with a shock 20-16 victory over championship favourites France at Murrayfield last weekend.

"Hall was not as accurate as had been wanted with his throwing-in, but the other reason for change has everything to do with the fact that Scotland have three hookers of equal merit vying for selection.

"Now is the opportunity for the other two to show what they can do," said Hadden who emphasised Hall was not entirely to blame for Scotland's loss of several line-outs.

"The main problem perhaps was the number of full line-outs we called."

Hadden named Marcus Di Rollo at outside centre despite the Edinburgh player being forced to retire midway through the first half against France with a hamstring strain.

"Marcus has made very rapid progress and although he did not train today I'm confident that he'll be fit," said Hadden.

Hadden said Wales, the Grand Slam champions reeling from a 47-13 rout by England at Twickenham on Saturday, would provide another stern test.

"Wales ask so many questions and play with their heads up. And don't forget that they upset Australia in November. That's something we haven't done.

"I'm expecting a very fast game from the Welsh. But I've taken a lot of pleasure from the pace of our game against France. It was electric at times.

"And the good thing is that I know that our players can cope with that kind of pace.

"But because the players know one another so well from the Celtic League this game will have a derby type of feeling to it."

Scotland:
Hugo Southwell, Chris Paterson, Marcus Di Rollo, Andy Henderson, Sean Lamont, Dan Parks, Mike Blair, Simon Taylor, Allister Hogg, Jason White (captain), Scott Murray, Alastair Kellock, Bruce Douglas, Scott Lawson, Gavin Kerr.
Reserves: Ross Ford, Craig Smith, Scott MacLeod, Jon Petrie, Chris Cusiter, Gordon Ross, Simon Webster.

- REUTERS