Rugby: Nicol returns to Captain Scots
Thursday, 15 June 2000 19:43Scotland were today handed a major boost ahead of Saturday's clash with the New Zealand Maoris when it was confirmed captain Andy Nicol will lead the side out after proving his recovery from a bruised shin. The Glasgow Caledonians scrum-half was named in the tourists' provisional team subject to completing a scheduled training session, which he came through unscathed under the close supervision of coach Ian McGeechan.
Having been restricted mostly to swimming and jogging in recent days, Nicol was relieved to be back in full training again, even if he will require some form of protection around his leg on Saturday. He said, 'It is still a bit sore but this is well nigh a Test team we are facing so I wanted to be fit to lead the troops out because it is a very important game for us.'
Nicol's presence and leadership against a formidable Maori outfit is all the more crucial given the injury-enforced absences of Gregor Townsend and Martin Leslie from the side.
