Uncapped duo in Scotland Six Nations squad as Dunbar returns

Uncapped props Zander Fagerson and Rory Sutherland were both included in Scotland's 35-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship announced Tuesday, while centre Alex Dunbar returned after a year out with injury
Scotland, who suffered a last-gasp World Cup quarter-final loss to eventual runners-up Australia after a controversial decision by South African referee Craig Joubert went against them, begin their Six Nations campaign at home to England on February 6.

Dunbar was recalled after a knee injury ruined his chances of playing at last year's World Cup in England.

But Glasgow team-mate Ryan Wilson was left out, with the flanker facing a potentially lengthy ban after being cited for allegedly grabbing the testicles of Northampton's scrum-half Lee Dickson.

However, coach Vern Cotter said the decision to omit Wilson and recall John Barclay, left out of the World Cup squad, had been taken before the citing incident.

"We made a decision with Ryan before he was cited," Cotter explained. "We're happy with the way he has been improving but we feel that the (other) players are playing better than he is at the moment.

"I had a good talk with him last week. He is focusing on his game and he could come into contention as the competition goes on."

As for his two new props, Cotter added: "Rory Sutherland has impressed us. He is coming through. We have worked with him and we think he has the quality to become an international player.

"Zander has done exceptionally well for a 20-year-old prop. He has proved that he has that competitive desire to do well.

"Both these players will get exposure at some stage."

The Scots will hope to use their encouraging World Cup performance as a springboard for an improved showing in the Six Nations, having finished with the 'wooden spoon' after losing all five of their matches in last season's Championship.

"We've selected a mixture of experience with some exciting young players coming through, some of whom have experienced the Rugby World Cup and are eager to move forward, take the RBS 6 Nations head on and show that we can develop our game and be competitive," said Cotter of a side that will again be captained by scrum-half Greig Laidlaw.

"I think there should be confidence," the New Zealander added. "The guys have worked hard and improved. There are positive signs that we can compete, and this Championship will give us another opportunity to measure ourselves against very good opposition in a tough competition.

"The guys believe that we can compete, dominate and secure victories in these games."

Source: AFP