Rugby: Ian looks to raise Rankin of clubs XV

SCOTLAND'S club international rugby team bid for a first win away to their Irish counterparts in Dublin tonight with manager Ian Rankin boosted by this season's new British and Irish Cup.

Some seven members of the squad have been involved in the inaugural competition either for Heriot's or Ayr.

Rankin said: "There is no doubt the B&I Cup has been a success and helped take players up to a higher level.

"Hopefully they won't find it such a big step up going into international club action."

Late changes see Heriot's hooker Finlay Gillies step up for club-mate Scott Burnett while Currie's Alastair Hamilton starts at prop in place of virus-stricken Alan Brown.

Rankin says it is a big occasion for Hamilton in particular.

"Alastair has come through despite missing out on any age-group recognition, which provides added value to the clubs' international team.

"He has a lot of potential and, building on his 40 minutes off the bench when we beat French clubs this year, this is a chance for him to show what he can do."

Meanwhile Rankin has warned his side to beware a backlash from an Irish team beaten, albeit narrowly, by the English clubs last time out.