Scotland coach sticks by squad

GLASGOW - Scotland coach Ian McGeechan has named an unchanged 22 for the Six Nations match against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on April 7, despite defeat by France in their last match.

For the France game, McGeechan initially named a squad of 23, but then omitted Andy Henderson.

The 22-year-old Henderson was not included in the squad announced on Wednesday, leaving the way open for the Scotland A team selectors to use him.

There was the feeling that McGeechan might want to freshen the squad after the defeat by France and in the light of a good but losing performance by the Scots in the A international at Galashiels.

"We had a chat with the A team selectors. There are players, such as Nathan Hines, whom we are looking at. But we feel that the summer tour to North America will be the right time for that."

McGeechan said his decision to stick with the same group of players was in the interests of continuity.

"International rugby is about performance and to achieve that you have to build an understanding between players. You don't do that by breaking up combinations.

"All the players were very disappointed after the French match because they know what's achievable."

The squad may be the same, but there remains the possibility of making a number of internal shuffles, McGeechan said. "We are always looking at options. We will be looking at the strengths of Wales and the way we want to play. There are certainly options."

One option might be starting with Glenn Metcalfe at fullback.

The New Zealand-born Metcalfe was moved to fullback late in the match against France and appeared to give Scotland a sharper attacking edge.

The problem then would be where to play Brendan Laney, who has proved to be the answer, for the moment, to Scotland's goal-kicking problems.

"When you're playing away from home, goal-kicking is still the key," McGeechan said. "In the past we've often played well and not won because of goal-kicking."

McGeechan has refuted suggestions that first five-eighth Gregor Townsend is suffering from burn-out and has asked not to go on tour.

"I've had no request from Gregor to rest him. He hasn't said to me that he's tired."

Looking ahead to the Cardiff match, McGeechan warned that Wales would be difficult opposition.

Squads: Scotland: G. Beveridge, D. Hodge, B. Laney, J. Leslie, K. Logan, J. McLaren, G. Metcalfe, C. Paterson, B. Redpath (capt), G. Townsend, G. Bulloch, G. Graham, S. Grimes, M. Leslie, S. Murray, J. Petrie, B. Pountney, R. Russell, T. Smith, M. Stewart, S. Taylor, J. White.

Ireland v France. -

Ireland: G. Dempsey, G. Easterby, R. Henderson, D. Hickie, S. Horgan, T. Howe, D. Humphreys, J. Kelly, B. O'Driscoll, R. O'Gara, P. Stringer, S. Byrne, P. Clohessy, S. Easterby, A. Foley, J. Hayes, G. Longwell, E. Miller, P. O'Connell, M. O'Kelly, F. Sheahan, D. Wallace, P. Wallace, K. Wood.

France: F. Galthie (capt), P. Mignoni, D. Bory, G. Merceron, F. Gelez, D. Traille, T. Marsh, A. Rougerie, J. Marlu, N. Brusque, S. Glas, C. Poitrenaud, J. J. Crenca, P. De Villiers, S. Marconnet, J. B. Poux, R. Ibanez, O. Azam, O. Brouzet, F. Pelous, T. Privat, D. Auradou, S. Betsen, I. Harinordoquy, O. Magne, R. Martin.

- AGENCIES