Robinson wants Scots to hit ground running

POOL B Scotland v RomaniaTonight, 2am (Irish-time) Rugby Park, Invercargill Live on UTV & Setanta Ireland

SCOTLAND HEAD coach Andy Robinson has urged his side to hit the ground running in their opener with Romania tonight.

Robinson yesterday named a near full-strength side for the clash at Rugby Park Stadium, with Chris Paterson to start at full-back, becoming the first Scot to appear in four World Cups.

Ross Ford is set to win his 50th cap at hooker, while captain Alastair Kellock will start at lock alongside Richie Gray in arguably Scotland’s first-choice pack.

In a side showing eight changes from the XV which began last month’s 23-12 warm-up win over Italy, Sean Lamont will start at inside centre in place of Graeme Morrison, who is not being risked after picking up a leg injury during the training camp in Australia.

“The World Cup is a long time,” said Robinson. “We wanted to come in and really hit the ground running when we arrived and have game focus.”

Robinson stressed his team selection was determined only by the Romania match, but the proximity of the second game – against Georgia on Wednesday – came into his thoughts when it came to Glasgow centre Morrison.

“He would have been fit to play, but we felt that he wouldn’t have been able to play in two games because of the physicality of the games. Because of the turnaround we felt he couldn’t play in both games, so we rested him for the first game.”

Lamont will line up in midfield alongside Joe Ansbro, with Ruaridh Jackson reclaiming his place at outhalf from Dan Parks,

Mike Blair is given the nod at scrumhalf and Chris Cusiter is named on the bench.