Scotland's Interim head coach Scott Johnson named his 35 man squad for this year's Six Nations today. It's a massive change from the last Scotland squad named, with only hardcore rugby fans recognising some of the names. The talking points are the fact that 19 of these players currently play for Glasgow Warriors and 10 of the squad are uncapped, including Scotland's new adopted Kiwi, Sean Maitland.
Not all this overhaul has been through choice though; Nick De Luca, Ross Rennie, Scott Lawson, John Barclay and Chris Cusiter are all injured, Allan Jacobsen and Mike Blair have retired from international rugby and Alasdair Strokosch is out due to personal reasons. It's just a matter of time to see if this fresh squad can improve on their wooden spoon from last year, but for now, I'm offering my two pennies' worth as to who the starting XV should be.
15. Stuart Hogg (Glasgow)
Burst onto the scene in last years 6 Nations, this elusive full-back is one of the hottest properties to come out of Scotland in recent years. The 20 year old is a natural finisher and a brilliant counter attacker. Scotland need to get the ball to him more in attack.
14. Sean Maitland (Glasgow)
One of Scotland's project players, the Kiwi is uncapped by his new country but has already established himself in a Glasgow shirt. One of the quickest players to come out of New Zealand, Maitland has the ability to trouble his opposite man, whoever that may be, this Six Nations.
13. Max Evans (Castres)
Another player with the ability to ignite Scotland's back line, Evans may not have played that much for Castres this year, but 3 tries in 6 games in the Top 14 isn't exactly bad. If he starts at 13 and brings up the rush defence, Scotland should be more solid.
12. Matt Scott (Edinburgh)
The only position in the backs that worries me. Scotland don't really have a big 12 who can frighten defences and stand firm in defence. Matt Scott is a big lad, with good hands and the ability to score a try or two. Played quite well in the Autumn internationals against tough opposition, including New Zealand who he scored against.
11. Tim Visser (Edinburgh)
With 5 games for Scotland and 4 tries, the Flying Dutchman has caused a few people to think he could be an outside chance for the Lions tour. Gets found out a bit in defence but his finishing means he has to start. 56 tries in 87 games for Edinburgh proves this.
10. Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow)
Scotland's problem position for years, former 7s international Jackson, is someone who I believe can solve this dilemma. He has a calm head, good decision making, good distribution and solid enough in defence. Jackson has the ability to turn Scotland's backs into a far more dominant force than they have been recently.
9. Greg Laidlaw (Edinburgh)
Scrum-half is Laidlaw's preferred position and he's done well for Edinburgh so far this season when played there. He's not your usual sniping 9, but he's an established kicker and good passer of the ball. He has 13 caps and 98 points and knows what it takes at international level.
8. Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier)
Comes back into the Scotland team after 18 months out following a successful debut season in the Top 14. Part of the Killer B's back row combination a few years ago, Beattie is a big, powerful player who always puts 100% effort in. Scored 3 tries for Montpellier this season and he's an experienced player for Scotland to rely on.
7. David Denton (Edinburgh)
The exclusion of Rennie and Strokosch means that I've gone for a big, bullying back row but Denton still has the ability to shift across the park like a 7. Another one of Scotland's young bright things, he'll be a target man for whenever they need to make yards.
6. Kelly Brown (Saracens)
I have my doubts about Brown's international ability now, but he's been one of the first names on Sarries team sheet. Been in good form this season with clever play in the tight areas of the game. A much better 6 than he is 7 or 8.
5. Alastair Kellock (Glasgow)
Glasgow's captain has led from the front during their successful season so far. A good option in the lineout and another player full of passion. Not afraid to get his hands dirty but has a calm head and the player I believe should be captaining Scotland.
4. Richie Gray (Sale Sharks)
One of the most recognisable players in world rugby and arguably Scotland's best player. At 6ft 9in and nearly 20 stone, he is a colossal ball carrier and a hard man to stop. For such a big lad, he has good hands too and doesn't panic whenever he makes a break.
3. Geoff Cross (Edinburgh)
Due to Euan Murray's lack of game time for Worcester, I've gone for Cross. He's a player who can hold his own against some of the world's best this 6 Nations. An extremely mobile and energetic player, Cross will make the number 3 shirt his and hopefully ward off the advances of WP Nel once he qualifies for Scotland.
2. Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
Didn't have the best Autumn, but since Lawson is injured, Ford gets the hooker spot. Once considered one of the best hookers around, Scotland fans will be hoping that Ford produces some of the form that earned him a call up to the Lions 4 years ago.
1. Ryan Grant (Glasgow)
The cornerstone of Glasgow's scrum, Grant played well in the Autumn and is extremely fast for a prop. He gets around and has a knack of popping up in the right places to score.
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