Coach hails Scots' new caps

Scotland coach Matt Williams began a new era today by naming three uncapped players in his team for their opening RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Edinburgh centre-wing Tom Philip, Borders scrum-half Chris Cusiter and Edinburgh back-row forward Allister Hogg will represent the country for the first time.

“The three of them deserve this chance,” said Williams. “They have done very well since the World Cup.

“A lot of players have retired since then and I have had to build a new side and I have confidence in these guys.”

Captain Chris Paterson and vice-captain Gordon Bulloch will help the players through the test at the Millennium Stadium.

Scotland (6 Nations v Wales): Ben Hinshelwood (Worcester); Simon Danielli (Bath), Tom Philip (Edinburgh), Brendan Laney (Edinburgh), Andrew Henderson (Glasgow); Chris Paterson (Edinburgh, captain), Chris Cusiter (Borders); Tom Smith (Northampton), Gordon Bulloch (Glasgow, vice-captain), Bruce Douglas (Borders), Scott Murray (Edinburgh), Stuart Grimes (Newcastle), Cameron Mather (Glasgow), Simon Taylor (Edinburgh), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh).

Replacements: Rob Russell (Saracens), Gavin Kerr (Leeds), Jason White (Sale), Simon Cross (Edinburgh), Mike Blair (Edinburgh), Dan Parks (Glasgow), Simon Webster (Edinburgh).