'A' game gives fringe players a chance to impress

That's the view of Scotland A and Glasgow coach Sean Lineen who believes there are enough talented players in his matchday squad to give Andy Robinson some food for thought ahead of the full international against Argentina on November 28.

Lineen has selected 12 Magners League players in his starting XV for the game at Netherdale, with each of the seven members of his replacements bench also plying their trade in the Magners League.

Edinburgh provide 12 members of the 22-man squad, with Glasgow Warriors supplying six, Gloucester two and the Ospreys and Stade Francais one apiece.

"Andy Robinson will be attending the match at Netherdale and the players realise that this is an ideal opportunity to showcase their skills in a bid to earn selection for Scotland's Test match against Argentina at Murrayfield next Saturday," said Lineen, who was part of coaching set up that led Scotland A to an impressive triumph in this summer's IRB Nations Cup.

"We believe we have picked a strong squad to face a competitive Tonga side, who will be physical and skilful.

"We are looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd at Netherdale and continuing on from the team's last achievement which was to win the Nations Cup in June."

Scotland 'A' (vs Tonga, Netherdale, Friday November 20, kick-off 7.30pm)

Jim Thompson (Edinburgh), Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Ben Cairns (Edinburgh), John Houston (Edinburgh), Nikki Walker (Ospreys), Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais), Rory Lawson (Gloucester, captain); Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Scott MacLeod (Edinburgh), Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh)

Replacements: Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh), Ed Kalman (Glasgow Warriors), Craig Hamilton (Edinburgh), Roddy Grant (Edinburgh), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Colin Gregor (Glasgow Warriors), Mark Robertson (Edinburgh)