SCOTLAND Under-20s coach Sean Lineen has called for a much-improved display against France tonight after labelling the team’s performance against Italy last week “unacceptable”.
The Scots have lost all three of their Six Nations games so far, but Lineen saw a big difference between the commitment they showed in round two against England and their altogether less wholehearted outing against the Italians. “It doesn’t take anything to show effort,” he said after naming a starting line-up for the France game that shows 11 changes from last week.
“That was one thing that was a bit disappointing in the last game against Italy – our players didn’t try for the whole game and gave up a little bit easily. It was very tough and things didn’t go our way. It was unacceptable and it’s not the standards that we want.
“We know from the England game that this squad can perform and compete better than that. When they’re in a Scottish jersey we want to see them play with pride and passion for the whole 80 minutes.”
The players who have held on to their places are lock Alex Samuel, the squad captain, centre Thomas Glendinning, winger Finlay Callaghan and blindside Archie Smeaton. “This is a very young group, and it’s tough for them, but we want them to get it right, put a smile back on their faces, and put in a performance to be proud of,” Lineen added.
Scotland lost to Ireland in their opening match in the Championship, and conclude their campaign next Tuesday with a fixture against host nation Wales.
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