Scotland reshuffle for Samoan test

SCOTLAND head coach Frank Hadden insists strength in depth has allowed him to make changes for the second Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Test against Samoa on Sunday.

The Scotland boss has restored Chris Cusiter at scrum-half ahead of Mike Blair, while completely changing his front row after the 23-19 defeat by Argentina on Saturday.

The front-row will now be formed by Allan Jacobsen, Scott Lawson and Craig Smith, with Dougie Hall and Gavin Kerr dropping to the bench and prop Bruce Douglas not in the squad.

Hadden said: “Everybody is aware of how close it is at scrum-half and it is just fair to give Chris his starting opportunity.

“And the other changes in the front row are a similar scenario. Maybe, we are not as confident as the All Blacks to change our whole XV, but it is a positive thing.”