Six Nations/News round-up: Scotland's new coach Matt Williams has begun the process of rebuilding the side by naming three uncapped players to face Wales in their opening Six Nations match in Cardiff on Saturday.
Williams, who succeeded World Cup coach Ian McGeechan, added a further two uncapped players on the bench when he announced his selection yesterday.
Scrumhalf Chris Cusiter, a surprise selection to replace retired World Cup captain Bryan Redpath, centre Tom Philip and openside flanker Ally Hogg all win their first caps.
Mike Blair, Redpath's most recent understudy at scrumhalf, was expected to get the nod but Williams has decided on the younger and less experienced option in 21-year-old Cusiter.
"It was a very close decision," Williams said. "We have three excellent scrumhalves in Scotland but we have selected on current form and in that respect Chris is marginally in front."
By contrast, Philip's selection is no surprise. Still only 20, the powerfully built centre has made a mark with Edinburgh this season, contributing in no small part to his side's European Cup form. "Tom is very physical and very strong and he's a very powerful tackler," said Williams.
Hogg captained Scotland under-21s last season as a 19-year-old and this year has made an outstanding contribution to Edinburgh's success.
The two uncapped players on the bench are Australian-born outhalf Dan Parks and Edinburgh flanker Simon Cross.
Meanwhile, Simon Shaw was yesterday handed an international call-up thanks to the apparent indiscipline of his England colleague Steve Borthwick.
Wasps lock Shaw will be on the replacements' bench when England launch their Six Nations Championship campaign against Italy in Rome on Sunday.
He was initially omitted from the England 22 behind Ben Kay, Danny Grewcock and second-row cover Borthwick for the Stadio Flaminio encounter, but the latter is now in hot water with English Rugby Union disciplinary chiefs.
The Bath forward has been cited by independent commissioner Peter Larter for alleged foul play - understood to be use of the knee - on Wasps and England captain Lawrence Dallaglio during a league match last Saturday.
Borthwick will face a hearing next Tuesday but, under Six Nations' rules, he cannot play for his country while a disciplinary matter is pending.
England's World Cup-winning outhalf Jonny Wilkinson has had shoulder surgery and is due to be released from hospital today, his club has announced.
"Newcastle Falcons can confirm that Jonny Wilkinson has had his operation and is expected to be discharged from hospital some time on Thursday, 12th February," the club said in a one-line statement.
The 24-year-old, who kicked the extra-time drop goal in England's 20-17 World Cup final victory over Australia last November, had already been ruled out of this year's Six Nations tournament as he is expected to need at least six to eight weeks to recover.
Llanelli Scarlets wing Salesi Finau has been banned for 21 days after being cited for striking Ulster's Shane Stewart.
Finau was cited by Ulster officials following an incident which left Stewart dazed during last Friday's Celtic League game at Ravenhill.
The Welsh Rugby Union's disciplinary sub-committee yesterday upheld the complaint during a meeting in Cardiff. Finau can resume playing on March 4th.
SCOTLAND (v Wales): B Hinshelwood; S Danielli, T Philip, B Laney, A Henderson; C Paterson (capt), C Cusiter; T Smith, G Bulloch, B Doughlas S Murray, S Grimes, C Mather, A Hogg, S Taylor. Replacements: R Russell, G Kerr, J White, S Cross, M Blair, D Parks, S Webster.
