Scotland U20 set for USA finale

Scotland secured their spot in the final after three impressive pool stage performances, putting 100 points on Samoa and Hong Kong China, before beating Japan 46-10 to seal their place in the final.

USA finished top in their pool after winning three from three against their opponents Netherlands, Uruguay and Kenya. Scotland and USA will now battle it out for first place and promotion to next year’s World Rugby U20 Championship.

Edinburgh have had a heavy influence in the side, with 7/8 of the pack coming from the capital’s pro-academy set up.

Ollie and Jerry Blyth-Lafferty once again start together at tighthead and hooker respectively, starting alongside loosehead Robbie Deans.

Euan McVie retains his place in the second row, with back-row trio of Freddy Douglas, Tom Currie and captain Liam McConnell completing the pack.

Edinburgh are also represented in the replacements, with Ollie Duncan in line for his U20s debut, with Hector Patterson and Jack Hocking also available having both had try scoring turns in the tournament.

Head Coach Kenny Murray said: “We have put in some impressive performances over the competition, but we can’t take our foot off the gas now.

“USA are a powerful force and have proven that in their three pool matches. They are fast and physical and will be as hungry for success as we are.

“For many of the team, this will be the last time they play in the Scotland U20 jersey, so we want to put in a performance that our family, friends and Scotland can be proud of.”

SUPPORT THE TEAM!

Scotland Men U20 team to face USA U20 on Wednesday 17 July at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh (kick off 7.45pm, live on BBC ALBA)

15. Fergus Watson (Glasgow Warriors)

14. Finlay Doyle (Loughborough University)
13. Johnny Ventisei (Glasgow Warriors)
12. Findlay Thomson (Watsonians)
11. Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University) – Vice-captain

10. Andrew McLean (Boroughmuir Bears)
9. Conor McAlpine (Watsonians)

1. Robbie Deans (Edinburgh Rugby)
2. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
4. Euan McVie (Edinburgh Rugby)
5. Ruaraidh Hart (Glasgow Warriors)
6. Liam McConnell (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain
7. Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Tom Currie (Edinburgh Rugby) – Vice-captain

Replacements

16. Seb Stephen (unattached)
17. Ben White (Biggar RFC)
18. Jake Shearer (Ayrshire Bulls)
19. Dylan Cockburn (Southern Knights/Melrose RFC)
20. Ollie Duncan (Edinburgh Rugby)
21. Hector Patterson (Edinburgh Rugby)
22. Kerr Yule (Glasgow Warriors)
23. Jack Hocking (Edinburgh Rugby)