Scotland U20s change entire front row for Italy clash after defeat to Wales in Six Nations Summer Series & More News Here

Murray has made seven modifications as he appears to be like for a response from his squad on Thursday after their disappointing 45-15 defeat to Wales final weekend.

One of his greatest frustrations was a scarcity of physicality and depth, and he has appeared to treatment that with the introduction of a completely new front row.

“Obviously it’s a four-day turnaround so it’s tough to get guys round and ready to go for another game,” he mentioned.

“We wanted to use the squad, give guys an opportunity and put a few young guys in there. It was always the plan to give those guys a shot.”

One of these newcomers in the front row is hooker Patrick Harrison, who scored two tries from the bench in Scotland’s defeat to Wales, and he begins in place of Scotland’s different attempt scorer, Gregor Hiddleston.

“Paddy’s got the run at hooker,” mentioned Murray.

“He’s had a bit of a frustrating season so far in terms of game time, so obviously it’s an opportunity for him to show what he can do.”

The unfastened 5 forwards stay unchanged however there’s a new half-back pairing, in the type of Ben Afshar and Euan Cunningham.

The pair have by no means beforehand began a recreation collectively however get their likelihood in Treviso on Thursday.

“Ben’s been really good in training,” defined Murray.

“He’s a really sharp young player, got a fantastic box-kick, he’s quite tall for a No.9 with quite long levers, which is a real asset in terms of kicking.

“Euan was unfortunate during the Six Nations, he got a hamstring problem so didn’t play much, unfortunately.

“I’m looking forward to seeing those two boys play.”

Elsewhere in the backs, Ross McKnight returns on the wing, and Gabe Jones begins in place of Kieran Clark at full-back.

On Sunday, the squad joined the opposite groups in Pool B for a day trip in Venice, signing merchandise for younger followers and even displaying them a trick or two.

And Murray believes the day trip was a very good change of scene for his facet after a tough begin to their match.

“They went and had some time to relax. We had a day off and then came back in for our review,” he added.

“Then we looked at the areas we could be better at, winning our collisions on both sides of the ball.

“We never like losing. We don’t like losing badly, we don’t like losing at all. The boys are going out on the pitch to do their best and try and work as hard as they can.”

Meanwhile, Italy might be brimming with confidence, having acquired their marketing campaign off to a flying begin with a 36-19 win over Georgia.

But that has not stopped Azzurrini head coach Massimo Brunello from shuffling his pack, with 10 modifications in all, 5 in every of the forwards and backs.

Following their clash with the match hosts, Scotland play their closing pool recreation in opposition to Georgia on July 6.