SM
Thursday, March 28
Upcoming predictions and previews
Six Nations | Group Stage
Mar 9, 2019 at 2.15pm UK
 
Scotland
11-18
Wales
Graham (58')
FT
Adams (13'), Davies (30')

Russell heads returning Scotland contingent for Wales clash

:Headline: Russell heads returning Scotland contingent for Wales clash: ID:352305: from db_amp
The fly-half missed the defeat to France with concussion.

Scotland have been boosted by the return of a host of players as they look to arrest their losing run in the Guinness Six Nations against leaders Wales.

Stand-off Finn Russell joined up with his international team-mates on Monday morning after returning to action with Racing 92 at the weekend having missed the 27-10 defeat by France with concussion.

Forwards Hamish Watson, WP Nel, Sam Skinner and Grant Stewart are back in the squad along with Glasgow centre Stafford McDowall.

Matt Fagerson and Byron McGuigan – who missed out on the initial squad through injury – and London Irish prop Gordon Reid also come in.

Stuart Hogg will not be back for the visit of Wales on Saturday as he continues to receive treatment for the shoulder injury that forced him off early against Ireland in Scotland's second game of the tournament.

But forwards coach Danny Wilson admits the influx of players at training was a welcome boost.

"It's great to add them to the squad," he said. "It's been well documented some of the players who have been in and out of the squad with some of the injuries we have had.

"Finn is in camp, training today, and all good, so he will be working hard towards the weekend."

Danny Wilson, right, welcomed the return of several players (Ian Rutherford/PA)

Scotland are looking to avoid a hat-trick of defeats and Wilson is adamant there will be no shortage of motivation despite Wales having more obvious goals to chase.

"It's about an improved performance from the France game," he said. "We have been pretty honest in camp. Our performance wasn't of the standard we have produced. We have moved on now and we are preparing for Wales.

"It's first about improving that from a home fixture point of view and then getting things tactically right to play a very good side.

"The motivation levels should be through the roof to play a side that's looking for a Grand Slam. It's an exciting fixture for all.

George Horne is one of the players to leave the squad (David Davies/PA)

"This is an extremely passionate group of players. As a collective, as coaches and players, we weren't happy with our performance last weekend against France and we have come back very keen to put that right.

"That starts with a performance full of identity and passion and we will need to be physical against Wales, who pride themselves on their physicality. That aspect is a huge, huge area we will focus on."

Eight players have dropped out of the squad. Scrum-half George Horne (shoulder), prop D'arcy Rae (ankle), hooker George Turner (concussion) and centre Chris Dean (back) miss out through injury while prop Alex Allan, back-row forwards Rob Harley and John Hardie and stand-off Duncan Weir have been allowed to return to their clubs.

amp_article__352305 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-03-04 16:53:41:
html db last update - 2021-03-01 02:11:26 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Finn Russell

Click here for more stories about Scotland

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .