Weir returns for Scotland
Tuesday, 22 May 2001 12:56Newcastle Falcons lock Doddie Weir has been handed his first start for Scotland for over a year in the game against the Barbarians on Thursday. The Newcastle captain, who has won 61 caps, is given the chance to resurrect his international career after a successful season in the north-east.
Glasgow Caledonians back-row forward Gordon Simpson has also been given an opportunity to revive his international fortunes after being dropped from the squad following disciplinary action in November. Scotland coach Ian McGeechan will also give Allan Jacobsen, Gordon McIlwham, Stuart Grimes and Andrew Mower the chance to impress in the game. Bryan Redpath is handed the captaincy in the absence of Andy Nicol while Gordon Bulloch will take the vice-captaincy.
Meanwhile, All Blacks wing Jonah Lomu has been declared fit to take on the Scots at Murrayfield after recovering from a foot injury. The Wellington Hurricanes star missed the Barbarians' win over Wales at the weekend, but has since passed a fitness test to take his place in the side. Former All Black Josh Kronfeld will be on the bench after having a number of stitches inserted in a nasty head wound which was picked up against the Welsh. His place in the team will be taken by Bath's England A cap Angus Gardiner as injury has also seen Italian full-back Christian Stoica pull out. South African Percy Montgomery is moved to number 15 with Braam van Straaten coming in at fly-half.
Scotland: Paterson, C Murray (both Edinburgh Reivers), McLaren (Glasgow Caledonians), J Leslie (Northampton), Logan (Wasps), Hodge (Edinburgh), Redpath (Sale Sharks) captain, Jacobsen (Edinburgh), G Bulloch (Glasgow), McIlwhan (Glasgow), Grimes, Weir (both Newcastle), G Simpson, Petrie (both Glasgow), Mower (Newcastle)
Filed by Pat Nugent
