Andy Robinson has made five changes to the Scotland side who concluded this year’s RBS 6 Nations, bringing in an additional two players from Edinburgh.
The changes see Ross Rennie make his first start for his country in the 7 shirt while David Denton comes in on the bench with the opportunity to win his first cap for Scotland.
Moreover Greig Laidlaw will be, captain, Rory Lawson’s understudy presenting him with the chance of winning a second cap for his country, while Chris Paterson will make his 105th appearance.
The selection of Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford and Geoff Cross wearing numbers 1, 2 and 3 respectively see an all Edinburgh front row leading the scrum. Ross Ford has also been handed the responsibility of vice-captain for the first time.
Robinson explained: “In any international match there is always a huge amount at stake, but the EMC Tests take on extra significance this year as we hone our preparations for the start of the world’s third biggest sporting event.
“I am a firm believer that competition brings the best out in players and I’ve said to the squad that it lies in their hands to make the case for their inclusion in the final 30 for New Zealand.”
Scotland team (sponsor RBS) to play Ireland in the EMC Test at Murrayfield on Saturday 6 August, kick-off 2.15pm.
15 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh) 104 caps, 22 tries, 162 penalties, 89 conversions, 3 drop goals, 783 points
14 Nikki Walker (Ospreys) 22 caps, 6 tries, 30 points
13 Joe Ansbro (London Irish) 6 caps
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 28 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
11 Sean Lamont (Scarlets) 55 caps, 8 tries, 40 points
10 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors) 6 caps, 1 penalty, 1 conversion, 1 drop-goal, 8 points
9 Rory Lawson (Gloucester) 27 caps CAPTAIN
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh) 55 caps
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh) 48 caps, 2 tries, 10 points VICE-CAPTAIN
3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh) 5 caps
4 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester) 31 caps, 1 try, 5 points
5 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 10 caps
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester) 19 caps, 1 try, 5 points
8 Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors) 15 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
7 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh) 6 caps
Substitutes
16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 34 caps, 1 try, 5 points
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks) 19 caps
18 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps, 1 try, 5 points
19 David Denton (Edinburgh) uncapped
20 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh) 1 cap
21 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh) 24 caps, 1 try, 5 points
22 Jack Cuthbert (Bath) uncapped
Referee: Wayne Barnes Assistant Referees: Dave Pearson and Stuart Terheege (all RFU) TMO: Geoff Warren (RFU)
Tickets for the EMC Tests are on sale now from www.scottishrugby.org or from the 24 hour credit card hotline 0844 335 3933. They cost from £5 for children and students and from £10 for adults. You can also buy tickets on the day, full details on www.scottishrugby.org.
Saturday’s match marks the first time that Scotland have played in their new Canterbury of New Zealand kit, emblazoned with the brand of their new sponsor RBS.
As part of the occasion RBS and Scottish Rugby have invited representatives from clubs throughout the country to come to Murrayfield to unveil a giant version of the new jersey before kick-off.
