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Townsend-Redpath half-back axis given a 21st century reboot in Scotland v England under-20 clash

The Townsend-Redpath half-back axis will get a 21st century reboot on Friday when Scotland take on England in the Under-20 Six Nations in Cardiff.
By Graham Bean
Published 24th Jun 2021, 18:50 BST
Elliott Gourlay, left, and Christian Townsend train with the Scotland Under-20s at Oriam. Picture: Ross MacDonald/SNSElliott Gourlay, left, and Christian Townsend train with the Scotland Under-20s at Oriam. Picture: Ross MacDonald/SNS
Elliott Gourlay, left, and Christian Townsend train with the Scotland Under-20s at Oriam. Picture: Ross MacDonald/SNS

Christian Townsend comes into the side at stand-off while Redpath retains the No 9 jersey after last weekend’s 31-7 defeat by Ireland in the opening game.

The pair, who play in the same positions as their illustrious fathers, Gregor and Bryan, are highly regarded by head coach Sean Lineen who has rung the changes in his young side.

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Cameron Scott, last week’s fly-half, moves to inside centre while try scorer Elliot Gourlay moves from 12 to full-back, and there is a first match for Ross McKnight on the wing.

Edinburgh No 8 Ben Muncaster will captain the side, with last week’s skipper, second row Alex Samuel, on the bench.

Cambridge University student Archie Smeaton is unavailable due to exams, and is replaced at blindside flanker by Rory Jackson, with Ollie Leatherbarrow coming in at openside for Harri Morris who is suspended after being sent off against Ireland.

There are two changes in the front row as Mike Jones and George Breese are promoted from the bench to start at prop, whilst Patrick Harrison retains his place at hooker.

Max Williamson will partner Euan Ferrie in the same second row pairing that finished the game against Ireland.

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England A v Scotland A: Match to be shown live on terrestrial television

“The team learned a lot from the game against Ireland last weekend,” said Lineen. “For some players that was their first taste of international rugby, as well as learnings there were a number of positives to take from the first-half performance.”

The match, which kicks off at 2pm, is live on S4C and YouTube.

Scotland U20 (v England U20, Cardiff Arms Park, Friday, 2pm, U20 Six Nations)

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15. Elliot Gourlay; 14. Ross McKnight, 13. Scott King, 12. Cameron Scott, 11. Michael Gray; 10. Christian Townsend, 9. Murray Redpath; 1. Michael Jones, 2. Patrick Harrison, 3. George Breese, 4. Max Williamson, 5. Euan Ferrie, 6. Rory Jackson, 7. Ollie Leatherbarrow, 8. Ben Muncaster (c).

Substitutes: 16. Jamie Drummond, 17. Tom Banatvala, 18. Olly Frostick, 19. Alex Samuel,

20. Rhys Tait, 21. Euan Cunningham, 22. Thomas Glendinning, 23. Ollie Melville, 24. Adam Scott, 25. Finlay Callaghan, 26. Alex Clayton.

Related topics:ScotlandEnglandCardiffSix Nations