Scotland Men U20 Confirmed for World Rugby U20 Trophy Final

Scotland have recorded three impressive victories so far, reaching triple figures against Samoa and Hong Kong China, before recently beating Japan 46-10 to secure their place in the final. The USA secured top spot in the Pool B table after three wins over opponents the Netherlands, Uruguay and Kenya.

Scotland and the United States now battle it out for top spot and promotion to next year’s Rugby U20 World Cup.

The team has only one change from Friday’s match against Japan, with Ruaraidh Hart coming into action in the second row, replacing Ryan Burke, who suffered an injury in the match against Japan U20.

Blyth-Lafferty brothers Ollie and Jerry remain in the starting line-up, joining loosehead prop Robbie Deans in the front row at hooker and tighthead.

Hart joins Euan McVie in the second row, with the familiar back row trio of captain Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas in the flanker positions and Tom Currie at No.8 to complete the attacking line-up.

Conor McAlpine retains the scrum-half shirt, along with Andrew McLean who, after scoring 21 of Scotland’s 46 points against Japan, will again start at stand-off.

The full-backs remain unchanged since their win over Japan, with Findlay Thomson and Johnny Ventisei starting at centre. The wing pair of Finlay Doyle and Geordie Gwynn, who scored nine tries between them in the three pool games, remain, with Fergus Watson completing the starting 15 at full-back.

A five/three split on the bench remains, with Seb Stephen, Ben White, Jake Shearer, Dylan Cockburn and late call-up Ollie Duncan in place to support the attackers. The back cover remains, with Hector Patterson, Kerr Yule and Jack Hocking filling the remaining spots.

Head coach Kenny Murray said: “We have had some impressive performances in the league but we can’t take our foot off the gas pedal now.

“USA is a strong force and has proven that in their three group games. They are fast and physical and will be just as hungry for success as we are.

“For many of the team members this will be the last time they play in the Scotland U20 shirt so we want to deliver a performance that our families, friends and Scotland can be proud of.”

Support the team at Hive Stadium – buy your tickets here.

The Scotland Men’s Under-20 team will play the United States Under-20 team at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh on Wednesday 17 July (kick-off 7.45pm, live on BBC ALBA)

15. Fergus Watson (Glasgow Warriors)

14. Finlay Doyle (Loughborough University)
13. Johnny Ventisei (Glasgow Warriors)
12. Findlay Thomson (Watsonians)
11. Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University) – Vice-Captain

10. Andrew McLean (Boroughmuir Bears)
9. Conor McAlpine (Watsonians)

1. Robbie Deans (Edinburgh Rugby)
2. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
4. Euan McVie (Edinburgh Rugby)
5. Ruaraidh Hart (Glasgow Warriors)
6. Liam McConnell (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain
7. Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Tom Currie (Edinburgh Rugby) – Vice-captain

Replacements
16. Seb Stephen (not affiliated)
17. Ben White (Biggar RFC)
18. Jake Shearer (Ayrshire Bulls)
19.Dylan Cockburn (Southern Knights/Melrose RFC)
20. Ollie Duncan (Edinburgh Rugby)
21. Hector Patterson (Edinburgh Rugby)
22. Kerr Yule (Glasgow Warriors)
23. Jack Hocking (Edinburgh Rugby)