Mower may run on Murrayfield grass

SCOTLAND coach Ian McGeechan has hinted that Andrew Mower will be given the task of replacing Budge Pountney for next week’s Six Nations Championship opener with Ireland.

The 27-year-old Newcastle openside flanker has just four caps to his name, but the Australian-born player looks set to step into the sizeable boots of the former captain for the eagerly-awaited Murrayfield showdown on February 16.

Mower, however, has been in great form for his club since recovering from injury and the Scotland coach would have no hesitation in promoting him to the starting side.