Eurosport - Tue, 22 Sep 17:22:00 2009
Andy Robinson has vowed to select on form when he names his first Scotland squad and sang the praises of a number of young players - and one or two old faces.
Scotland head coach Robinson has been impressed with the starts made to the season by Glasgow and his former club Edinburgh, who have stormed to the top of the Celtic League.
He has also been keeping close tabs on the country's foreign-based stars as he ponders his squad for the autumn internationals against Fiji, Australia and Argentina.
"We've watched a lot of games; we've watched all the French games and it's been pleasing to see how our guys have been going down there," said Robinson, highlighting the impact full-back Rory Lamont and flanker Jason White have made since moving to Toulon and Clermont Auvergne, respectively.
"It's important that these guys are going to a foreign land and are performing well."
Robinson has been similarly enthused by the displays of a number of uncapped players, who can expect a welcome phonecall from Scottish Rugby next month if they continue to perform.
Former England boss Robinson singled out Worcester centre Alex Grove, Edinburgh trio Roddy Grant (flanker), John Houston (centre) and Mark Robertson (wing), and Glasgow prop Jon Welsh, who has been hailed as the find of the season.
Grove and Houston were part of last month's 44-man training squad at St Andrews.
But the addition of other new faces will not necessarily involve axing players, according to Robinson, who nevertheless warned form would be a key element of selection.
"We've had a squad of 44 and now it's adding players going forward," he said.
"We've got to take into consideration injuries but I'd like to think that the players who are putting their hands up will get selected."
Comment 1 - 1 of 1
How about permitting Italian teams into the Anglo-Welsh Cup? That way, the game will improve for the Italians as they'll have more professional competition. They are an improving nation but to really help the Six Nations, they need more competitive fixtures. Entering the Magners League is a good start, so why not enter our domestic cup game? Thoughts?
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