John Houston has been handed the number 14 jersey for Scotland ‘A’ in the IRB Nations Cup decider against France at the Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest tomorrow (Sunday, 21 June, kick off 6pm BST, live on Setanta Sports 1) after wing Joe Ansbro pulled out through injury.

Northampton back Ansbro had been struggling to overcome injuries to his knee and hip and failed a fitness test this morning.

As a result, 26-year-old Houston, who made his Scotland ‘A’ debut during the win over Uruguay, makes his second start of the tournament against France ‘A’ and says he is determined to make an impact. Houston joins a magnificent seven other members of the Black and Red Army in the starting line-up with three other Edinburgh players on the bench. Watch Edinburgh challenge Europe's finest next season by signing up for an 09/10 Season Ticket, call 0131 346 5180 for top-class rugby at a great value price.

Houston said: “Rugby is all about taking opportunities when they happen.

“I wasn’t picked in the original squad for the Nations Cup, but got called up when Simon Danielli was injured.

“Now I’ve got another chance to play and I’m really pleased. Everyone is focused on delivering a winning performance and I’m aiming to play my part in making sure that happens.”

Team doctor, Dr Alastair Nicol revealed that Ansbro’s setback is not too serious, but would have prevented him from performing properly.

Dr Nicol said: “It won’t be a long term problem. The medical team worked hard and he has made steady progress, but unfortunately time ran out.”
 
Following the wins over Russia and Uruguay, Scotland ‘A’ currently top the tournament table on overall points difference with a 46-point advantage over second-placed France ‘A’.

Scotland ‘A’ squad to play France ‘A’ at Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest (Sunday 21 June, kick-off 6pm BST)
 
15 Jim Thompson (Edinburgh)
 
14 John Houston (Edinburgh)
13 Ben Cairns (Edinburgh)
12 Alex Grove (Worcester Warriors)
11 Simon Webster (Edinburgh)
10 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Chris Cusiter (Perpignan) CAPTAIN
 
1 Kyle Traynor (Edinburgh)
2 Scott Lawson (Gloucester)
3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh)
4 Craig Hamilton (Edinburgh)
5 Al Kellock (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors)
7 Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh Rugby)
8 Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors)

16 Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh)
17 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors)
18 James Eddie (Glasgow Warriors)
19 Calum Forrester (Glasgow Warriors)
20 Rory Lawson (Gloucester)
21 David Blair (Edinburgh)
22 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh)