Late SOS from Glasgow puts Ruaridh Jackson’s Ayr start in doubt

THE battle at the top of the RBS Premiership did not need much extra fizz but the parachuting of Scotland stand-off Ruaridh Jackson into Ayr’s team for today’s top-of-the-table clash with Melrose promised some.

Until yesterday that is. Jackson was due to start for Ayr at the Greenyards today in a move designed to give him game-time when behind Duncan Weir in the Glasgow pecking order. It was ironic that Jackson’s family hail from Melrose.

But the move was thrown into doubt when Weir took a minor blow to a knee in training – not from Jackson we are reliably informed – and failed a fitness test, so Scott Wight was pressed into his first start at Scotstoun in the match with Connacht and Jackson returned to the Glasgow bench.

Nevertheless, there appears to be a realistic chance that Jackson could yet feature at the Greenyards, having only played in the final quarter of Glasgow’s victory last night – and the player himself stated afterwards that he was still hoping to play today.

Kenny Murray, the Ayr coach, is hopeful. He told The Scotsman yesterday: “Gregor Townsend [Glasgow coach] is keen for Ruaridh to get game-time and we’re obviously keen to help with that, and it depends on how much he plays against Connacht and we understand the pressures the Warriors have.

“I think it would be good for Ruaridh and good for the club game to see him involved at this level. I’ve worked with him through the years and I know he is a very good player.

“Some people don’t like seeing pros coming down to club rugby, but I am all for it, for all the clubs. Ruaridh will be the first pro player released to us this year, if he is released, but this is the partnership we are trying to grow between the clubs and the pro teams, helping keep these talented players playing and learning the game, and developing, and using the qualities they have, and off-the-field the attraction of being an internationalist to excite supporters. It enhances the club game and helps us all push on and drive up standards and interest, which is the big target right now.”

Ayr also have Ross Curle back from suspension this week, and he could slot in at stand-off if Jackson is not released, which is good timing, with Finn Russell, Sylvain Diez and Dean Kelbrick all out injured. Up front, Zimbabwean internationalist Denford Mutamangira and academy prop George Hunter also return.

Melrose welcome back Scott McCormick at scrum half, and Peter Eccles and Wayne Mitchell to the pack, but they are also missing key figures, notably Graeme and Allan Dodds, Nick Beavon and Stuart Johnston.

Coach Craig Chalmers commented: “After an improved performance last weekend against Edinburgh Accies, we look forward to welcoming league leaders Ayr to the Greenyards.

“Ayr have a number of new recruits this season and have started the season very well with some impressive results. We have an excellent home record against Ayr and we are looking forward to continuing that on Saturday, but we know we will have to be at our best to do that.”

Elsewhere, Gala host Boroughmuir a few miles to the west, Stirling County welcome Aberdeen Grammar to Bridgehaugh, Currie travel to Mayfield to take on Dundee HSFP and Heriot’s bid to defend the Bill McLaren Shield for a second time with a capital derby against Edinburgh Accies at Goldenacre.

With the British and Irish Cup looming on the horizon, clubs are becoming desperate to push themselves, or keep themselves, in the title race, despite it being early in the season, and try telling coaches like Murray that he can afford a defeat at this stage.

“League titles aren’t given out after five games, but a win this week away from home would send out a big message to our competitors.

“The game against Stirling was a physical encounter last week and was probably closer than the scoreline suggests.

“Although we scored six tries we recognise that we must be more clinical in key areas of the park and maintain concentration at key times.

“Our games against Melrose have proved to be tough encounters over the past five seasons and although we have competed well at home and in the cup finals, we have always been outplayed at the Greenyards. This is something we are keen to redress. Melrose have proved to be the most consistent team in the country over the past few seasons and are excellently coached to play a fast, expansive game of rugby. This game has a lot at stake.”