Scotland's 5 changes for Japan rugby Test
Jun 16, 2016 - 7:40 AM Scotland have made five changes from their final Six Nations rugby match for Saturday's opening Test against Japan.Four are injury-related and Jonny Gray returns at lock after missing the last Six Nations game against Ireland in Dublin.
One big surprise is Edinburgh winger Damien Hoyland taking over from Tim Visser, who has dropped out with a hamstring problem. It will be only his second cap and first start.
"I just saw my name up on the screen, just paused, looked for a bit and thought quickly about when I first started playing rugby and my ambitions to represent Scotland," Hoyland said.
"Now it is actually happening - I am getting my first start and I can't believe it. It is very, very surreal. It will definitely be emotional. I don't like to cry, so I will be holding it in, I imagine. I have to keep my head down, try not to get caught up in it too much and just focus on the game."
Five-eighth Duncan Weir, who started in Ireland, was not included in the tour squad and Finn Russell suffered a bad facial wound playing for Glasgow, so Ruaridh Jackson will start.
"I thought 'Jacko' did some good things during the Six Nations and deserved an opportunity to turn out at 10," coach Vern Cotter said.
"Damien Hoyland also gets a run on the wing. It is exciting to see talent come through the ranks and push for a place in the starting team."
Matt Scott comes in for Alex Dunbar at centre while hooker Ross Ford drops out with a tight calf muscle and Stuart McInally comes in.
Cotter respects Japan's pace and style.
"They have shown they have depth in their squad. They have had a number of injuries but, with a number of changes, managed to beat Canada in Canada. They are a team that plays with confidence.
"They have a certain way of playing that is effective. Once they get over the gain line, they take the ball close to the advantage line, work both sides of the rucks and can move the ball out wide. They are hard to get the ball off because they are very quick to breakdowns. They are a fast, mobile team - we know that."
The second and final Test is on Saturday week in Tokyo.
Source: AAP
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