Rugby: New generation of talent on show

Feb 24 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

FAIR City rugby fans will be able to witness the next generation of rugby talent first-hand as Andy Robinson’s Scotland ‘A’ side entertain their Italian counterparts at McDiarmid Park on Friday (February 27).

Robinson, the former head coach of the England senior side, said: “The standard of rugby at this level is just one step below the Six Nations.

“Last year, the likes of Max Evans, Phil Godman and Ben Cairns all featured for the Scotland ‘A’ team before being awarded caps with the senior side.

“We are expecting a tough physical challenge against the Italians, but we are planning to play an expansive brand of rugby that will hopefully entertain what promises to be a big crowd.

“We achieved some good results last season with a positive brand of rugby and the plan is for the players to replicate that type of performance against Italy,” he said.

Scotland ‘A’ were defeated 35-10 by Ireland in their last outing, in Dublin on February 13.

Despite this setback, Robinson – who juggles his international role with the head coaching post at Edinburgh – believes the defeat will serve the team well in the long run.

He said: “I would say that the key areas we need to improve on are our set-pieces, tightening our defence and reducing the amount of balls turned-over in the tackle.

“It was a tough night against Ireland but it is something that the players need to learn from, although we did score a good try towards the end,” he said.

Perth-born winger Sean Lamont crossed the line for his side’s consolation against the Irish and the Northampton Saints man says he will be thrilled to return to the Fair City once more.

Admission for the match is free and the contest kicks-off at 7.30pm.