Scotland coach Steve McCormack set to play Alex Walker against New Zealand

Scotland coach Steve McCormack is ready to throw London Broncos full-back Alex Walker in for his World Cup baptism against New Zealand.

The 22-year-old is among a number of changes McCormack is planning to make for the game in Christchurch on Saturday, following his side's disappointing 50-4 defeat by Tonga in their opening Group B match in Cairns.

Already missing the injured Lachlan Coote, Scotland began their campaign without David Scott after he injured his back during the warm-up match against a New South Wales Country U23 team.

Lewis Tierney wore the No 1 jersey against the Tongans but is set for a switch to the wing to accommodate the promising Walker, who made his Scotland debut in the 2015 European Championship.

"I thought Lewis Tierney was one of the standout players on the field to be fair," McCormack said. "He was outstanding but Alex Walker has been great for London and I've been really impressed by his attitude throughout the World Cup so far and he deserves a chance.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how Alex performs on the world stage. He's an emerging talent and deserves a crack."

McCormack is also set to give debuts to 20-year-old Brandan Wilkinson, a centre with Bradford, and Sydney Roosters second rower Jarred Anderson.

"I've named 21 and that squad might be rotated," McCormack said. "People like Brandan Wilkinson and Jarred Anderson have earned the call by the way they've trained. I'm more than comfortable putting them in.

"It's a very young team but they've trained really well, they've earned the right to play in this World Cup and I've every confidence in them.

"To play New Zealand in Christchurch will be a fantastic experience for them. It's important they step up as well. Test matches in New Zealand are no place for the faint-hearted."