Alex Grove and Scotland National Rugby Team To Face Fiji

Well done to Alex Grove on his debut cap; I reckon it’s a good idea to give him a shot against Fiji.

More interesting even than that is the suprise absence of Thom Evans from the 22, given that he had been pretty much the creative spark for the Scotland national rugby team all of last season. It does put a fair bit of pressure on the back three to try and maintain the scoring form that the Evans boys seemed to help Scotland discover.

Other than that, though, the team looks decent enough, and it's good to see former Highland man Moray Low gets another cap! New co-captain Chris Cusiter gets his shot to start and the Lamont boys make a return to add ballast to the backs. Ross Ford, meanwhile, needs to kick on from the Lions tour, sort out his throwing, and bring the power carrying game (along with Hines) that can make him a real threat.

Let’s not forget Fiji are above us in the IRB rankings, but we should still be looking to beat them and get Robbo’s stint as coach off to a good start. And I didn’t even mention Mossy, but he’s on the bench as 10 cover pretty much as expected.

Scotland team to play Fiji: Rory Lamont, Sean Lamont, Alex Grove, Graeme Morrison, Simon Danielli, Phil Godman, Chris Cusiter, Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford, Moray Low, Nathan Hines, Alastair Kellock, Alasdair Strokosch, Johnnie Beattie, John Barclay.

Replacements: Dougie Hall, Kyle Traynor, Jason White, Richie Vernon, Mike Blair, Chris Paterson, Nick De Luca

Also, it would be great if any of you could sponsor me in Movember, please! Along with all the Wallaby team at the weekend, I saw a photo that looks like Cus may be sporting some chops too, though it could just be the light.

My facial hair silliness should be in evidence for the Argentina game at the end of the month, ticket availability permitting...and don’t forget to check out Front Up’s offer below!