Andy Robinson names four uncapped players in provisional Scotland squad for Rugby World Cup 2011

May 11, 2011

There are four uncapped players in a 40-strong provisional Scotland squad for the upcoming Rugby World cup in New Zealand.

With a few months left before the commencement of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the teams around the globe have started to shortlist their world cup probable squads.

Scotland has announced their 40 men provisional squad for their World Cup campaign. They have included four un-capped players in their squad.

New Zealand is hosting the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 which kicks-off in September 2011.

Scotland International Rugby Union’s coach, Andy Robinson, announced the 40 men squad yesterday, May 10^th.

Robinson has been following the Scottish players’ performances in domestic and European circuits. He strongly backed the inclusion of uncapped players, Robert Harley, Ryan Grant, David Denton and Jack Cuthbert, in the squad.

He said that their place in the squad is justified because of their impressive performance earlier in the season.

Robert Harley and Ryan Grant played an exceptional part in Glasgow’s forward line.  Jack Cuthbert was simply phenomenal at the fullback position for Bath Rugby team and helped them in a number of occasions this season with his excellent rugby skills.

David Denton is a promising back-row player and played exceptionally well for Edinburgh this season.

Robinson has expressed his satisfaction with the squad and termed it as a blend of youth and experience.

However, he stressed on the need of players’ development before the mega event.

He said, "The task that lies ahead for these players now is to be at the very peak of their powers in order to do themselves, their families, friends and country proud in New Zealand in September and October”.

Robinson has also announced that Scotland's training camp will begin on June 20^th. The 40 men squad will play warm-up matches against Ireland (August 6) and Italy (August 20).

The RWC 2011 deadline for announcing the final 30-member squad is August 22^nd. Scotland will start their RWC 2011 campaign against Romania in Invercargill on September 10^th and play their second RWC match at the same venue against Georgia on September 14^th.

Scotland will take on Argentina on September 25^th at the Westpac Stadium and play their last pool match against England in Auckland on October 1^st.

Scotland has an impressive world cup history as they have always qualified in the pool stages to reach the quarterfinals.

However, this year they will be hoping to progress to the final four for a chance to win the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Scotland provisional World Cup squad:

Backs - Joe Ansbro (Northampton Saints); Mike Blair, Ben Cairns (both Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Cuthbert (Bath), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Rory Lamont (Toulon), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais), Nikki Walker (Ospreys).
Forwards - John Barclay, John Beattie (both Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, David Denton (both Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Ryan Grant, Richie Gray, Dougie Hall (all Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors), Nathan Hines (Leinster), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Fergus Thomson, Richie Vernon (both Glasgow Warriors).