Match Preview

After a physical encounter versus Marr, it is no surprise there are a few injuries and subsequently some changes. Paul Cairncross and Kyle Shanahan are out of the front-row with Adam Al-Agilly coming into the squad from the 2nd XV and Aaron Burgess starting at hooker. In the backs, Sam Graham comes in for the injured Wayne Burrows at 12 and Jamie Blair and Howie Roxburgh replace Ross Darroch and James Imrie to earn their first starts for the club. Henry Lapslie also comes in for the unavailable James Couper at full-back. On the bench, Mike Downer returns and new recruits Tobi Sofidaya and Jos McConkey are included.

Andy Hill commented
“Last week was a disappointing defeat and was one we walked away from thinking ‘how did we lose that?’. It’s been a tough week training given conditions and the number of changes we’ve had to make. We’ve worked hard over pre-season and throughout the first few games to maintain continuity in the squad, but this week will really test our cohesion and it will require players to stand up given that senior players Paul Cairncross, Ryan Flett and James Couper are out. However, it is a great opportunity for players to stake a claim for an starting jersey and I’m extremely excited to see how we handle the travel, the pressure of the crowd and the physicality Kelso will bring. They will be desperate for their first win, especially at home, so we have to rise to the challenge and play our brand of rugby"