Scotland: Key players

BBC News Online takes a closer look at five Scotland players who will be hoping to star on the tour of New Zealand.

Scott Murray
Club: Saracens
Height: 6ft 6ins
Position: Lock
Age: 24
International career: 23 Caps, 2 tries

Murray made his reputation on the international stage as the outstanding player in Scotland's victorious 1999 Five Nations Championship side.

Having scored his first try on his international debut against Australia in 1997, he has gone from strength to strength for both club and country.

Still aged only 24, Murray will be looking to confirm his reputation as one of Scotland's finest young players in recent times on the tour of New Zealand.

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Martin Leslie
Club: Edinburgh Reivers
Height: 6ft 3ins
Age: 28
Position: Back-row forward
International career: Caps 16, 8 tries

Along with brother John, Martin Leslie has been an invaluable addition to the Scotland team since arriving from his homeland of New Zealand.

Qualifying for Scotland through a grandfather born in Linlithgow, Leslie formed an integral part of last year's Five Nations winning side.

Having represented New Zealand at under-21 level, he will be keen to show his compatriots that their loss has been Scotland's gain.

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Andy Nicol
Club: Glasgow Caledonians
Height: 5ft 11ins
Age: 29
Position: Scrum-half
International career: Caps 14, 2 tries

Nicol took over the Scotland captaincy in the absence of the injured John Leslie in the Six Nations Championship and became an instant hero as he led the country to the first Calcutta Cup win in ten years.

His own career has been blighted by injury - hence his lack of caps - but the manner in which he has come back is testament to his character.

He has also led Glasgow Caledonians as they continue to show an improvement in form.

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Duncan Hodge
Club: Edinburgh Reivers
Height: 5ft 11ins
Age: 25
Position: Stand-off
International career: Caps 13, 70 points, 4 tries

Duncan Hodge wrote himself into Scottish rugby's history books when he scored all 19 points in Scotland's win over England in April.

He has proved himself Scotland's most consistent goal-kicker since recovering from a broken leg which he suffered on international duty against Wales in 1999.

Another player with a bright future in the game, he will be looking to raise his pedigree even further on the tour of New Zealand.

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Gregor Townsend
Club: Brive
Height: 6ft
Age: 27
Position: Stand-off/Centre
International career: Caps 51, 86 points, 12 tries.

Arguably Scotland's one truly world-class player, Townsend can inspire admiration and frustration in equal measure.

On his game, he has breathtaking vision and is capable of the most sublime passes.

However, a drop in form during this season's Six Nations Championship led to calls for him to be omitted from the team, though they were never heeded by coach Ian McGeechan.

Nevertheless, Townsend is likely to be a key figure for Scotland on this tour and for the foreseeable future.