Scots preparing for World Cup

Scotland manager Douglas Morgan will use the forthcoming autumn Tests against Romania, South Africa and Fiji as preparation for next year’s World Cup.

Scotland are set to give debuts to Stuart Moffat, Bruce Douglas and Nikki Walker against Romania on Saturday and – with the surprise inclusion of Gordon Ross at the expense of the experienced Gregor Townsend – there was a hint of the experimental about the line-up.

Morgan claimed first-team places were still up for grabs and said: “It’s obviously a start to the build-up to the World Cup and the autumn series gives us an opportunity to play at international level against three different countries.

“Obviously the biggest test will be against South Africa but that’s not taking anything away from Romania and Fiji who will both ask different questions.

“This is the team we want to play against Romania and they are there on merit but there are opportunities for everybody to be selected against South Africa.

“We will obviously look at what happens on Saturday, balance everything up and take into consideration what’s happened in the past and the opposition we will be playing against in the next game.”

Two of the new caps, Walker and Douglas, have already been in Scotland’s squad before but were overlooked as other players were given their opportunity.

Morgan added: “Nikki gained a lot of experience from the North American tour and he has come back and played very well for the Borders and thoroughly merits his selection.

“Similarly, we were very pleased with the way Bruce Douglas performed in North America and he has quietly got on with his job for his club.”

The biggest talking point in the Scots’ team selection was the inclusion of one-cap Ross, who relegated the experienced Townsend to substitute.

Morgan said: “The selection this year has been different because more of our players are playing regularly for their clubs and we have consequently more of them to pick from.

“The likes of Gordon Ross has certainly flourished getting regular rugby at Leeds. All the reports we have had from people who watch him say that he has been playing well in every game and he has shown you will get the chance if you are a regular with your team.”