Leslie, whose European Cup debut for the Edinburgh Reivers has been delayed due to a row over his eligibility, has played just 40 minutes of competitive rugby since arriving in Scotland two weeks ago.

But Scotland coach Jim Telfer has seen enough of Leslie's displays for Wellington in the NPC championship on video to convince him the player is worthy of immediate elevation.

"He is an adaptable player and he can play all three positions in the back row," Telfer said.

Leslie could go straight into the open side berth in the absence of his injured compatriot Gordon Simpson, one of three players including Glenn Metcalfe and Matthew Proudfoot not considered because of injury.

Proudfoot's absence sees uncapped Glasgow Caledonians prop Willie Anderson elevated to the full squad for the first time after winning five A caps last season.

He will challenge veteran London Scottish tight-head Paul Burnell for the number three jersey.

Burnell is recalled to the squad despite missing out on the summer tour to Australia after initially returning against England at the end of last season's Five Nations Championship.

There are also places in the squad for Wasps winger Kenny Logan, London Scottish full-back Derrick Lee and Northampton flanker Budge Pountney, although the participation of all the Exiles in the squad has been placed in doubt.

English First Division Rugby has notified the SRU that it opposes the release of the English based players in the squad for the Murrayfield clash with the Maoris a week on Saturday.

But the SRU have argued that under International Rugby Board regulations the players must be released and has selected the squad on that basis.