Hugo Southwell completed a remarkable rise to prominence today when he was named as Scotland’s starting full-back to take on Australia, the World Cup finalists, in Melbourne on Sunday.

Head coach Matt Williams today admitted Scotland face a “massive task” in Sunday’s first Test against Australia in Melbourne but backed his players to rise to the challenge.

Glasgow winger Sean Lamont will make his Scotland Test debut against Samoa in Wellington on Friday.

Glasgow 13 Ulster 20

ERIC ELWOOD is back to lead the Connacht challenge for a place in the Celtic Cup final at the Sportsground, Galway, tomorrow (2.p.m.), but there is no place for captain Tim Allnutt.

LEO CULLEN may have missed out on the World Cup but Leinster coach Gary Ella is delighted to have him back as Leinster captain for the visit of Edinburgh to Donnybrook this evening.

Scotland A squad to play Ireland A at Bridgehaugh, Stirling, on Saturday February 15 (kick-off 7.30pm):

London Wasps wing Kenny Logan has been handed the chance to reclaim a Scotland international jersey after being named in a 50-strong RBS Six Nations Championship training squad for senior and A teams.

MUNSTER’S three new signings will all play their club rugby in Limerick this year with Eddie Halvey returning to play his club rugby with Shannon, Dominic Malone teaming up with UL Bohemians and Australian prop Simon Kerr joining Garryowen.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan has opted for wholesale changes for the game against Canada West tomorrow.

Nathan Spooner has been forced to withdraw from the Leinster team for tonight's game against Glasgow, his shoulder injury preventing him from making his debut.