The announcement highlights several key adjustments to the team, all within the forward pack, as they prepare for this pivotal Round 3 encounter. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:15 PM and will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer.
Head Coach Kenny Murray has introduced five changes to the starting forwards following Scotland’s previous matches in the tournament. Among the notable inclusions is Freddy Douglas, who returns from injury to make his first appearance of this years U20 Six Nations campaign. Douglas, a standout flanker, brings added significance to the lineup, having earned a senior Scotland cap during the Autumn Nations Series against Portugal in 2024. He will start at openside flanker, joining Oliver Duncan at blindside and Reuben Logan at number 8 to form the back row.
In the front row, Jake Shearer steps in at loosehead prop, while Seb Stephen takes the hooker position. They will pack down alongside Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, who retains his spot at tighthead prop. The second row sees Bart Godsell earning his first start of the tournament, partnering with Dan Halkon to bolster the engine room.
The backline remains unchanged from Scotland’s last outing, with Jack Brown at fullback, Nairn Moncrieff and Fergus Watson on the wings, and a center pairing of captain Johnny Ventisei and Kerr Yule. Matthew Urwin continues at fly-half, with Noah Cowan holding the scrum-half role.
The replacements bench features a mix of experience and fresh faces, including Finlay Doyle, Marcus Brogan, and Monroe Job in the forwards, alongside Hamish MacArthur, who is in line for a potential debut. The backline cover includes Hector Patterson, Conor McAlpine, and Finn Douglas, with Jack Hocking rounding out the squad.
Murray emphasised the team’s focus on building consistency ahead of the U20 Championship this summer, stating that while they’ve shown competitiveness in segments of their games, the goal is to deliver a complete 80-minute performance against England. This match marks another step in Scotland’s development journey in the age-grade competition, with the young squad eager to test themselves against a formidable opponent on English soil.
When: Friday 21st Feb, 19:15
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
