Six Nations: David Denton gets all-clear but Joe Ansbro ruled out of Calcutta Cup

By STUART BATHGATE
Published on Tuesday 31 January 2012 12:31

TALENTED young back-row forward David Denton has been cleared to play against England on Saturday in the opening match of this year’s RBS Six Nations Championship.

But there will be no place in Andy Robinson’s Scotland team for centre Joe Ansbro, who has been released from the squad because of a back injury.

Zimbabwe-born Denton, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Sunday, had been a doubt for the Calcutta Cup match because of a hamstring strain.

The problem caused him to miss Edinburgh’s Heineken Cup victory against London Irish, who were without Ansbro because of the same injury which has ruled him out of the weekend’s game. Yesterday, however, a statement from Murrayfield confirmed that, although Ansbro had failed a fitness test, Denton had passed. He now has a good chance of starting his first international, his only previous appearance having come as a replacement during last year’s World Cup warm-up game against Ireland.

“Denton has recovered from injury and will train with the Scotland squad at Murrayfield today as they step up preparations for Saturday’s RBS Six Nations Championship opener against England,” a statement from the SRU said yesterday, just before training began. Scotland lead physiotherapist Paul McGinley then explained why Ansbro had not made it.

“Joe came into our camp in St Andrews last week affected by a back injury which will need a longer period of rehabilitation,” McGinley said.

“This will be undertaken at his club and he will be re-assessed following the England game.”

Sale Sharks prop Alasdair Dickinson has also been ruled out of Saturday’s match, because of an injury which he picked up playing for his club against Brive in the Amlin Challenge Cup earlier this month.

“Alasdair was unable to train with the squad today as he is still recovering from the shoulder injury,” McGinley added.

“We are returning him to continue his recovery with his club and we will reassess his situation after the England game.”

Scotland have already lost back-row forward Kelly Brown to injury, while stand-off Ruraidh Jackson’s involvement has been in doubt because of hamstring trouble. Even if the Glasgow No 10 is passed fit, his lack of rugby over the past few weeks has been a concern for Robinson, and he may only come into consideration for the Wales game on Sunday week.

There was better news yesterday, however, over several other players who had been rated doubtful last week. World Cup captain Al Kellock, for example, had been suffering from a respiratory tract infection, but the former captain was reported to be training without problem yesterday and is expected to be named among the replacements.

Prop Ed Kalman has got over the calf injury which was a concern when he reported to the Scotland camp at St Andrews last week, but he has now been passed fit for duty and trained with the A squad yesterday. It remains to be seen whether the loss of Dickinson will mean a promotion back to the senior squad for Kalman.

Scrum-half Rory Lawson, like Kellock a former Scotland captain, also trained yesterday with the A squad who will play their English counterparts on Friday night at Netherdale. In Lawson’s case, however, there seems little prospect of an immediate return to the senior team, as Chris Cusiter and Mike Blair are set to be the two scrum-halves in the 22, with Greig Lawson, who can cover for Nos 9 and 10, also in the running.

Rory Lamont and Nick de Luca were the other two doubts last week as a result of leg bruising and concussion respectively. Both backs have now been passed fit.

Saturday’s match is a 67,114-capacity sell out. Fewer than 5,000 tickets remain for Scotland’s only other home game of this year’s championship, against France on Sunday, 26 February.

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17

DefenderTD5

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 11:26 AM

Englands mind set and the team itself are probably at its lowest ebb since the early 70's . They are there for the taking, lets do it Scotland , we have nothing to fear. Dan Parks seems to be respected everywhere except Scotland. He is not that bad , yes he limits movements in his passing , but on a good day his attacking kicking is up with the very best .Besides whats the point in passing when our backs have poor ball control anyway.

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16

shrek4

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 09:45 PM

#14, I don't think AR's job is on the line just now. The comments from the SRU about winning the RWC, if they are genuine would suggest he is being given breathing room during the 6N.----------- That said scotland v england at Murrayfield from the coaches point of view is one he will be desparate to win.------------- I was pleasantly surprised with his back row selection but I just hope he trials a couple of 10s for the future in this 6N.---------------- ---------------

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15

La Barrière de Senlis

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 05:13 PM

#DRG Good comment, And now one way to go forward, a noisy crowd for Scotland!

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14

DRG

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 04:10 PM

Cheery crew as ever. I'm having my doubts about things AR is doing too, but I think, given the injuries in the squad, it has been shown up as a lot less strong than many in the press and here have been suggesting. However, the front five is what everyone seems to want, the back row is as good as it could be without Kelly, the three quarters would be much of a muchness if you made the alternative choices, and it probably had to be Rory at full back, given Hogg's youth and how he has shown up less in playing centre lately. The bench is strong as anything. Which leaves half back: Everyone loves bashing Parks, but he's done terrific things in the past - rather more than sclaffed drop goals - along with the horrors we all remember. And at some point Laidlaw will come on and then we'll see what he can do. Throwing him in for the kick off on the first day of the 6 nations may have been a step too far. But he's going to get his chance. Writing this I think, yes I'd have gone for it too and chosen Laidlaw, but its not my job on the line, and no one knows how this England team will be. Lots to look foward to on Saturday.

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13

Dissillusioned Supporter!

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 03:35 PM

An absolute disgrace that Laidlaw is on the bench. Fair enough Parks in the squad - but have him on the bench, and only as a back-up, experienced, kicking option 10. I really hope to see Laidlaw on at 10 by half-time to shock a 'there for the taking' England. Myself and many others feel a bit of a downer has now taken over what was a real positive 6N vibe. At least Jones is a starter (will he see the ball?), but come on Robinson, have the guts to pick form at the crucial pivitol position. I think everyone would rather see a game that discovers our new class act 10, rather than a sclaffed drop goal from Parks that might just scrape us through in a dull game! What good is it doing our development with 30-odd year old Parks? Wales and Co will be sitting happily ready to play against Park's predictable game.

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12

Lone-eye

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 03:29 PM

Usual sh1te selection. I guess we'll have to wait for Scott Johnson's arrival until someone has the balls to pick an attacking backline.

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11

Doc Martin

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 03:19 PM

Dear Mr Robinson. Everyone says your a great coach... I dont.... and with every passing match my estimation of you as a coach drops further. You have had 3 years to get it right....,. for the first time we failed to reach the quarters at the RWC........ where we scored only 4 tries in 4 matches (all of them in one match against the worst team there). In the 6N, we have never finished higher than 5th (under you). You have employed a coach to coach the coach, but continue to pick a backline without a fuse (at 10). In Edinburgh, Laidlaw has consistantly pulled the strings and they have scored 17 tries in 6 HC matches. An experimental and inexperiened English team will travel north and they will be there to be beat.... We are 3+ years out from the next RWC and this was a perfect chance to start finding at 10 that can spark our backline....unfortunately your selection smacks of someone trying not to lose the match rather than win it. Seems your sacking by England is something you are still yet to get over.

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10

Robin Purdie

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 02:50 PM

I dont even know where to start with that. Words fail me. Let's just be thankfull that the form players who have been left out have not taken the Kris BoydSteven Fletcher stance. My 6 nations enthusiam has just flown right out the window. Might as well not bother watching the first 60 minutes of the game. "YAY, it's another sclaffed drop goal".

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9

Lola sport

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 02:40 PM

Just read sru web site re team choice - backs only one worth his spot - Sean. I am now taking AR a rung or two down the ladder. His backs choice beggars belief. This by no stretch is the best we can field. I was a very early critic of Morrison sadly for him personally he moves to bench, he should be further back than that!! Therefore take note AR your backs choices will not perform. I was looking forward to the match but now i fear we will make a fool of ourselves. I will eat my seat if i am wrong. I await the mountain of grief AR is going to get over his decisions. He is a good coach but an inept selector!! Pick the on form players that can deliver an exciting spectacle, not the idiots who will make a spectacle of themselves!!

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8

ronburgendy

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 02:32 PM

We could have the entire New Zealand back line playing but with Parks at 10 we will never score tries. De Luca who has been outstanding for Edinburgh recently will get criticised for not doing anything and Jones and Evans on the wings will be luckily if they ever see the ball. I thought after Edinburgh showed what can be done it might change but nope. Same old predictable Scotland. What is the point in playing that back row and Rennie to get quick ball if we are just going to handing it Parks who will slow it down, cant pass and will kick everything and Lamont at 12 who will just be used as a battering ram. England will be rubbing their hands with glee now at seeing what we've done. Then when it isn't working we'll bring Laidlaw on with 10-15 mins left but it will too late cause the damage will already have been done. I really hope AR reads these posts and sees how annoyed all Scottish rugby fans are with his decision to start Parks. Starting a guy who is 33, will not play in the world cup 2015 and wasn't even a starter in the last world cup, and has made a very good Blues back-line look slower than the cast from Last of the Summer Wine is unbelievable. Only positive is that Morrison is on bench but even then I await with bated breath for the moment when De Luca goes off for him and we are left with least Dynamic midfield pairing in rugby history.

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7

ATG73

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 02:29 PM

I'm surprisingly happy with this team. The inclusion of parks was pretty predictable as Robbo was never going to select a debutant no. 10. Cusiter proved in the intercity games he is the better 9. and we have a couple of guys in midfeild who are capable of making a break. R.Lamont at fullback should add an extra edge in attack as Evans will from the wing. Good also that Robbo had the guts to select Jones on the wing.

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6

ericaallen

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 02:10 PM

15 Rory Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) 26 caps, 6 tries, 30 points 14 Lee Jones (Edinburgh Rugby) new cap 13 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby) 29 caps, 1 try, 5 points 12 Sean Lamont (Scarlets) 60 caps, 8 tries, 40 points 11 Max Evans (Castres) 24 caps, 3 tries, 15 points 10 Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues) 66 caps, 4 tries, 15 conversions, 53 penalties, 17 drop-goals, 260 points 9 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 55 caps, 3 tries, 15 points 1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby) 60 caps 2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 53 caps, 2 tries, 10 points CAPTAIN 3 Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons) 41 caps, 2 tries, 10 points 4 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 16 caps 5 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester) 34 caps, 1 try, 5 points 6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester) 23 caps, 1 try, 5 points 7 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby) 11 caps 8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 1 cap Substitutes 16 Scott Lawson (Gloucester) 29 caps, 2 tries, 10 points 17 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby) 8 caps 18 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) 36 caps, 1 try, 5 points 19 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps, 2 tries, 10 points 20 Mike Blair (Edinburgh Rugby) 75 caps, 7 tries, 35 points 21 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 2 caps 22 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

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Doc Martin

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 02:07 PM

AR has gone for the predictable...... 15 Rory Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) 26 caps, 6 tries, 30 points 14 Lee Jones (Edinburgh Rugby) new cap 13 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby) 29 caps, 1 try, 5 points 12 Sean Lamont (Scarlets) 60 caps, 8 tries, 40 points 11 Max Evans (Castres) 24 caps, 3 tries, 15 points 10 Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues) 66 caps, 4 tries, 15 conversions, 53 penalties, 17 drop-goals, 260 points 9 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 55 caps, 3 tries, 15 points 1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby) 60 caps 2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 53 caps, 2 tries, 10 points CAPTAIN 3 Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons) 41 caps, 2 tries, 10 points 4 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 16 caps 5 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester) 34 caps, 1 try, 5 points 6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester) 23 caps, 1 try, 5 points 7 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby) 11 caps 8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 1 cap Substitutes 16 Scott Lawson (Gloucester) 29 caps, 2 tries, 10 points 17 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby) 8 caps 18 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) 36 caps, 1 try, 5 points 19 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps, 2 tries, 10 points 20 Mike Blair (Edinburgh Rugby) 75 caps, 7 tries, 35 points 21 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 2 caps 22 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

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4

MrJaffa

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 12:43 PM

#2 - Has to be horses for course when it comes to selection. AR will not have both Weir and Laidlaw in the matchday 22 due to the complete lack of experience. Therefore Parks will at least be in the 22. Decision then comes down to who starts. I reckon Robinson will go with Parks and Laidlaw as the two, as you dont get much different from Weir compared to Parks. So Laidlaw and Parks. Does he want to play the game on a territorial basis (Parks starts with Laidlaw to come on if we need to open up) or play it fast and loose (Laidlaw starts with Parks to come on if we need to try and close the game out). I would love it to be the latter but all depends on Robinsons game plan.......

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3

The Diplomat

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 12:32 PM

Time Ed Kalman got his chance at this level.

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