England v Scotland: 'Fearless' Cameron Redpath handed debut
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Scotland lost 13-6 to England at a wet and blustery Murrayfield last year
Guinness Six Nations: England v Scotland |
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Venue: Twickenham Stadium Date: Saturday, 6 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT |
Coverage: Listen to commentary on BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Radio 5 Live; Live text commentary and post-match video highlights on the BBC Sport website and app. |
Cameron Redpath's "fearless mindset" is one reason he has been handed his Scotland debut in their Six Nations opener against England, says head coach Gregor Townsend.
The Bath centre will line up outside Finn Russell as Scotland look for a first win at Twickenham since 1983.
Redpath, 21, was previously selected in England squads without winning a cap.
"He's good enough to play," Townsend said.
"He's played really well for his club this season. I've been very impressed with him in games where maybe away from home or [the team is] up against it - he's had that same fearless mindset of wanting to take on the opposition.
"He's a fierce competitor too and he'll have a big role to play in defence but we also see his skills in attack.
"We think it's the right time for him and each Test match he plays he'll learn from those guys inside and outside of him."
Redpath, son of former Scotland captain Bryan, will line up opposite his former England under-20 team-mate Ollie Lawrence, also making his first Six Nations start, while Chris Harris continues at outside centre for Scotland.
Townsend picks a familiar forward pack for the Calcutta Cup clash, with Matt Fagerson given the nod at number eight and Scott Cummings and Jonny Gray starting in the second-row.
In-form Newcastle back-row Gary Graham is poised to win his third cap from the bench, while there is also a return to the matchday squad for Richie Gray.
Edinburgh hooker Dave Cherry could make his debut as a substitute.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the first rugby international between the sides, each starting Scotland player will have the corresponding name from the 1871 team embroidered onto their shirt.
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