Houston to start against France A

Scotland A v France A
Venue: Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest
Date: Sunday, 21 June Kick-off: 1800 BST (2000 local time)

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Houston will make his second start for Scotland A when they face the French

Edinburgh's John Houston will take the number 14 jersey as Scotland A face France A in Sunday's IRB Nations Cup decider after an injury to Joe Ansbro.

Northampton winger Ansbro had been struggling to overcome injuries to his knee and hip and failed a fitness test.

Houston, who made his debut against Uruguay, said: "Rugby is all about taking opportunities when they happen.

"I wasn't picked in the original squad for the Nations Cup but got called up when Simon Danielli was injured."

Following wins over Russia and Uruguay, Scotland A currently top the tournament table on overall points difference with a 46-point advantage over second-placed France.

"Now I've got another chance to play and I'm really pleased," said 26-year-old Houston.

"Everyone is focused on delivering a winning performance and I'm aiming to play my part in making sure that happens."

We don't want the squad to have performed for two games but then to let ourselves down on Sunday Scotland A hooker Scott Lawson

Team doctor Dr Alastair Nicol revealed that Ansbro's setback is not too serious but would have prevented him from performing properly.

"It won't be a long-term problem," he said. "The medical team worked hard and he has made steady progress, but unfortunately time ran out."

Worcester centre Alex Grove and Edinburgh's Ben Cairns resume their centre partnership, while the half-back combination has an Aberdonian flavour with captain Chris Cusiter linking up with stand-off Ruaridh Jackson.

Scott Lawson, the 27-year-old Gloucester front-rower, has scored three tries in the opening two matches but says he forgo personal glory for a victory against the French.

"Scoring three tries in two games is pretty prolific for a hooker, but the most important thing for me is that we keep on winning," he said.

"It has been a really productive tournament for everyone involved, but it will only be judged as being a success if we win on Sunday.

"Beating France A is the most important thing on our minds at the moment. We don't want the squad to have performed for two games but then to let ourselves down on Sunday.

"We want to be winners on Sunday and, when it comes down to it, it is the result that counts."

The tournament is being eyed closely as it is the first since Andy Robinson became national coach.

"I've worked with Andy before with Scotland A and I've enjoyed it," said Lawson. "He is a very good coach with a great track record.

"Ultimately though, the responsibility falls with the players - we have to perform. We've been given our systems and have been coached during the week.

"But that stops when the game starts. The coaches empower us to take on the challenge and we know what we have to do on Sunday."

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Scotland A: Jim Thompson (Edinburgh), John Houston (Edinburgh), Ben Cairns (Edinburgh), Alex Grove (Worcester Warriors), Simon Webster (Edinburgh), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Chris Cusiter, capt (Perpignan), Kyle Traynor (Edinburgh), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Craig Hamilton (Edinburgh), Al Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh Rugby), Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors).

Replacements: Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), James Eddie (Glasgow Warriors), Calum Forrester (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), David Blair (Edinburgh), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh).