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Shock call for MacDonald

Edinburgh flanker set for Scotland debut

Last updated: 24th November 2009

MacDonald: Set for his debut

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Scotland coach Andy Robinson has handed Alan MacDonald a shock call-up for the autumn international against Argentina at Murrayfield.

Robinson has made three changes in total from the side that toppled Australia 9-8, with Edinburgh flanker MacDonald handed his debut after impressing for the A team against Tonga.

MacDonald comes straight into the starting XV to replace John Barclay, with Ben Cairns and Thom Evans also promoted from the second string.

Cairns replaces Graeme Morrison in the centres, with Alex Grove moving to outside centre, while Evans gets the nod ahead of Simon Danielli on the wing.

Mike Blair has been ruled out with an ankle injury, so Rory Lawson retains his place on the bench with Chris Cusiter set to captain the side.

Robinson said: "We do have competition for places and last weekend was about two international victories at Murrayfield against Australia and at Netherdale against Tonga.

"Australia was a very physical international and that is now history.

"This selection is about the management of our squad and giving players that performed in the A team an opportunity to deliver a win for Scotland.

"Alan MacDonald has been playing well for Scotland A. His continuity skills are very good and he deserves this chance."

Scotland: 15 R Lamont (Toulon), 14 S Lamont (Scarlets), 13 A Grove (Worcester), 12 B Cairns (Edinburgh), 11 T Evans (Glasgow), 10 P Godman (Edinburgh), 9 C Cusiter (Glasgow, capt), 1 A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), 2 R Ford (Edinburgh), 3 M Low (Glasgow), 4 N Hines (Leinster), 5 A Kellock (Glasgow), 6 A Strokosch (Gloucester), 7 A MacDonald (Edinburgh), 8 J Beattie (Glasgow).
Replacements: 16 D Hall (Glasgow), 17 K Traynor (Edinburgh), 18 J White (Clermont Auvergne), 19 R Vernon (Glasgow), 20 R Lawson (Gloucester), 21 C Paterson (Edinburgh), 22 N De Luca (Edinburgh).