Grove gets Scotland call

Grove: first cap

Fiji are above us in the IRB rankings. They are a very dangerous team to play against

Andy Robinson
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Worcester centre Alex Grove will make his Scotland debut in Saturday's opening autumn international against Fiji.

Grove, who turns 22 this month, will partner Graeme Morrision in midfield, while Chris Cusiter has won his battle with joint skipper Mike Blair for the scrum-half berth and will captain the side.

Tighthead prop Moray Low, 24, will make his full debut but there is no place in the XV for record points scorer and appearance holder Chris Paterson, who starts on the bench.

In all, there are 10 changes in personnel from the team beaten by England in the Scots' last Test at Twickenham in March, for what will be Andy Robinson's first game as head coach.

Power

Robinson said: "We have selected a side that's full of power; that has the pace but also has the skill level to break down the Fijians.

"Fiji are above us in the IRB rankings. They are a very dangerous team to play against.

"They are a very strong, powerful side who also hit very hard (in the tackle). We have to match fire with fire."

Speaking on his call-up, Grove said: "It was a bit of a surprise, to tell you the truth.

"I've had a week now to get my head round the fact that I'm starting and I just can't wait for Saturday, 2.30pm."

Grove, who impressed former England coach Robinson during the A tour of Romania this summer, has represented Scotland at virtually every age group.

And, despite his inexperience at international level, he believes he is ready for the biggest stage of all.

"I think I am, yes," he said. "I'm confident if I can continue playing the way I felt I've played for my club the past few games then it shouldn't be too daunting an experience.

"I'm looking forward to it. I'm just fortunate to have been given the opportunity for this game."

Scotland: Rory Lamont (Toulon); Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Alex Grove (Worcester), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow), Simon Danielli (Ulster); Phil Godman (Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow, capt), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Moray Low (Glasgow), Nathan Hines (Leinster), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow), John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors).
Replacements: Dougie Hall (Glasgow), Kyle Traynor (Edinburgh), Jason White (Clermont Auvergne), Richie Vernon (Glasgow), Mike Blair (Edinburgh), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh).