Scotland ring the changes for Wallabies

Wed, Jun 14, 2017, 11:19 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Gregor Townsend has made some big changes to his team to face the Wallabies. Photo: Getty Images
Gregor Townsend has made some big changes to his team to face the Wallabies. Photo: Getty Images

Scotland have brought in the changes for their clash with Australia, with star lock Jonny Gray headlining eight changes to the starting side for this weekend.

The Scots had a comfortable 34-13 win over Italy but have re-shuffled the team going into Saturday's clash with the Wallabies, their most challenging task of the tour.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said their end-of-year tour was a chance to blood some different faces.

"We're keen on this tour to make sure that players  that are close to selection got an opportunity and a few of them got an opportunity last week and some do this week," he said.

"When you've got a squad together, firstly you're putting a team together you believe can win the game.


"On a tour, there's other considerations. You want to see which players are able to perform at Test level an giving them that opportunity.

"Also, on this tour I do believe there's a lot of positions that are very competitive."

 One of the more surprising inclusions is that of fullback Greig Tonks, who has played for London Irish this season in the Championship, a tier down from the UK Premiership.

"London Irish have been the stanrdard team in the Championship," Townsend said.

"He's played very well, the way he plays fits in with the rugby we've been training, he's a very good passer, makes good decisions with the ball, he can stand up at first and second receiver and got a really good kicking game."

Scotland defence coach Matt Taylor highlighted the danger of the Wallabies' cross-field kicks to Israel Folau and Townsend mentioned them again on Thursday.

"One aspect of the Wallabies game they showed last week and in previous weeks especially with Israel Folau, who's so good in the air," he said.

"One try came directly from a kick and last week they were lucky enough to score a second one in an almost similar situation."

The Wallabies host Scotland on Satuday, kicking off at 3pm AEST LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.

TEAM

Scotland team to take on the Wallabies

1. Gordon Reid

2. Fraser Brown

3. Zander Fagerson

4. Ben Toolis

5. Jonny Gray

6. John Barclay

7. Hamish Watson

8. Ryan Wilson

9. Ali Price

10. Finn Russell

11. Rory Hughes

12. Duncan Taylor

13. Alex Dunbar

14. Lee Jones

15. Greig Tonks

Reserves

16. Ross Ford

17. Alan Dell

18. Willem Nell

19. Tim Swinson

20. Josh Strauss

21. Henry Pyrgos

22. Ruardin Jackson

23. Matt Scott

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