Arnold Clark Men's Premiership round 20 preview: runners, riders and verdict

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IT will be a special day at Malleny Park for Graeme Carson on Saturday as the loose-head makes his 200th appearance for Currie Chieftains.

Carson, a former captain, has been a big part of things at the club over the years and sets high standards for himself and those around him. Indeed, no one was prouder last year than him when they won the top flight title.

His double century milestone will come up against Glasgow Hawks in the Arnold Clark Premiership as the home side look for a win to keep their play-off charge going and the visitors look for crucial points to get themselves further away from the relegation zone.

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Elsewhere, as things really reach the 'business end' of the campaign, it should be an entertaining match at Myreside where third placed Watsonians welcome fifth placed Selkirk while leaders Ayr are at mid-table Hawick and second placed Heriot's host Kelso.

Marr are second bottom and, with three going down from 12, could really do with a win at already-relegated Musselburgh. Edinburgh Accies are the other team in the relegation places just now and they welcome mid-table Melrose to Raeburn Place.

How It Stands –

The Lowdown –

Currie Chieftains v Glasgow Hawks

Venue: Malleny Park @ 2pm

Teams –

Currie Chieftains: C Brett ©; J McCaig, R Southern S Robeson, R Daley; S Leto, G Christie; G Carson, R Stewart, G Scougall, C West, A Bain, W Nelson, A Fletcher, S Cardosi. Subs: R Vucago, C Anderson, C Ramsay, K Borthwick, E Hasdell, A Harley, I Sim.

Glasgow Hawks: A McLean; J Couper, F Callaghan, C Elliot, R Flett; L Brims co-©, B Jackson; F Muir, P Cairncross co-©, I Malaulau, R Burke, C Nolan, L Stewart, Y Shaheen, S Hastings. Subs: R Howie, James Campbell, M Crumlish, J Morris, J Hastings, G Cruickshanks, E Muirhead.

Key clash: Graeme Carson versus Isaiah Malaulau

Team news –

Currie Chieftains: Wallace Nelson and Ali Bain come into the starting pack while Chris Anderson, Cairn Ramsay and Ed Hasdell (fresh from his involvement with Edinburgh’s friendly with Saracens on Friday evening) are named on the bench. In the backs, Sam Leto starts at 10.

Glasgow Hawks: There are eight changes to the starting 15 and a further six to the bench. In the front-row, tight-head Marcus Goodwin is away to France and is replaced by Isaiah Malaulau, who has recovered from the concussion sustained against Watsonians. In the second-row, Ryan Burke is released by Glasgow and, in the back-row, Seb Hastings and Lewis Stewart are available with the latter making his 50th appearance for Hawks. In the backs, Brent Jackson is released by Glasgow and will start at nine with Scott Steele in France. Co-captain Liam Brims returns from concussion at stand-off and, in the back three, Ryan Flett and Andy McLean return from injury. Ryan Howie wins a bench spot having recovered from concussion ,while Jonny Morris is released by Glasgow and will look to make an impact when he comes on after missing much of the season through injury.

What the coaches say –

"It was great to get the win against Selkirk in our last outing, but we know we need to keep performing and picking up results to secure that fourth play-off spot. Hawks have some very talented players who can be dangerous on their day and they're very well coached by Andy Hill and his team. We'll need to start well and work hard if we want to take the points. There's a big occasion off the pitch too with a great turnout of past players booked in for lunch, including some making the trip from as far as New Zealand for our final home game of the season. Adding to the motivation, it's also Graeme Carson's 200th appearance, a fantastic achievement. I know the boys will be doing everything they can to make it a memorable day at Malleny …" – Mark Cairns (Currie Chieftains)

"The last couple of games have been tough due to availability and injuries, but it has provided a number of players with game-time to help build squad depth and competition. Selection has probably been the most difficult of the season for all the right reasons this week. The lads have really bought in to what we are doing and the quality and numbers at training have helped push the standard. Currie are a quality outfit and are well coached by Mark Cairns and his team. The task will be a massive one, but one I hope the lads embrace. There has been massive positives in our last few games and this week it is about nailing our set piece to give our backs a platform while maintaining the quality work we have shown in phase play on both sides of the ball and in the contact area. If we can play to our potential for the full 80 minutes then we know we will be competitive …"– Andy Hill (Glasgow Hawks)

Verdict: With a former players lunch and Graeme Carson a popular figure around Malleny Park there should be a good crowd down for his 200th game. Currie will be keen to build on their recent wins over Musselburgh, Kelso and Selkirk, but will be aware this bolstered Hawks squad will be tricky opponents. If Currie get the upper hand up front they should get the result they desire.

Home win.

Watsonians v Selkirk

Venue: 2pm @ Myreside

Teams –

Watsonians: F Owsley; L Macpherson, R Kerr, D Coetzer, Z Walls; J Baggott co-©, M Scott; C Lamberton, M Pritchard, T Gracie, A McInnes, K van Niekerk, J Minty, S Allison, N Irvine-Hess co-©. Subs: C Davies, C Davidson, D Voas, K Watt, C Wilson, C Bell, J Mitchell.

Selkirk: Callum Anderson; J Welsh, A Grant-Suttie, B Allan, B Pickles; Aaron McColm ©, H Alderson; L Pettie, C Tait, B Riddell, R Murray, J Fisher, D Bronlund, T Wilson, K Westlake. Subs: C Cochrane, B Malcolm, R Joyce, R Nixon, O McClymont, E Wilson, B Cullen.

Key clash: Freddie Owsley versus Callum Anderson

Team news –

Watsonians: Several key players returning to the fold. Up front, co-captain Neil Irvine-Hess comes in at No 8 whilst Cal Davies, Craig Davidson, Donald Voas, Campbell Wilson, Kieran Watt and Chris Bell return to the squad following injury or unavailability and are all on the bench.

Selkirk: Corey Tait moves from No 8 to hooker while Ruaridh Murray is in at second-row, with Kieran Westlake moving to the back-row. Ethan Wilson comes into the squad for this game and is on the bench.

What the coaches say –

"Selkirk come to Myreside on Saturday knowing that a positive result for them will maintain their push for a play-off spot while we are looking at consolidating a third place finish in the table. Whilst on the wrong end of the result in two recent league matches against Heriot's and Currie, the score lines indicate how competitive Selkirk will be. As a group we were pleased with our last outing, showing that when we get the detail right we can play quality rugby. We are looking forward to the challenge in what is likely to be our last home fixture of the campaign …"– Davey Wilson (Watsonians)

"After an excellent win against Gala to win the Border League last week it's been a shift in mindset to prepare to play a Watsonians side who will challenge us in all areas. Training sessions have gone well this week and the players have worked hard and are prepared to put in a shift as we head up the road to Myreside …" – Gordon Henderson (Selkirk)

Verdict: Selkirk will head to Edinburgh off the back of clinching the Border League title last weekend while they want to get back to winning ways in the league to keep alive their play-off hopes. They have shown they can mix it with anyone in this league, but home advantage plus having Neil Irvine-Hess back and a strong looking bench may get Watsonians over the line.

Home win.

Edinburgh Accies v Melrose

Venue: Raeburn Place @ 2pm

Teams –

Edinburgh Accies: V Hart; R Kent, M Wallace, N Armstrong ©, F Lindsay; S Wells, C MacDonald; C Imrie, F McAslan, P Hayes, R Thompson, S Whittaker, T Drennan, G Davis, G Napier. Subs: G Shannon, G Ratcliff, C Bain, A Wood, W Catterall, B Grainger, C Allan.

Melrose: M Gabe; C Spence, C Goldsbrough, R Brett, D Mulcahy; K Clark, B Colvine; J Dobie, L Kirk, Z Swarzagak, M Rutherford, A Runciman ©, W Ferrie, J Wilks, E Ruthven. Subs: A Ceballos, B White, R Robinson, F Sinclair, D Crawford, E Davies, H Weir.

Key clash: Neil Armstrong versus Roly Brett

Team news –

Edinburgh Accies: Vincent Hart returns at full-back, Robbie Kent moves to the wing and Max Wallace start at outside-centre alongside the returning skipper Neil Armstrong who is at 12. Cole Imrie and Paddy Hayes start at loose-head and tight-head respectively, Richard Thompson returns from injury in the second-row, as does Guy Napier at No 8 with Tom Drennan moving to blindside. George Shannon, George Ratcliff, Will Catterall and Ben Grainger return on the bench.

Melrose: A few players on the injury/unavailable list this weekend so a few alterations from Marr game. Angus Weir, Allan Ferrie, Ruardih Lindsay, Luke Townsend and Struan Hutchinson are all out with the likes of Mac Rutherford, Jack Wilks and Connor Spence among those coming into the starting XV.

What the coaches say –

"We know Melrose are a quality side and we respect what they bring to the game. It's about executing under pressure and sticking to our brand of rugby. We're excited for the contest and looking forward to putting in a strong performance …”– Iain Berthinussen (Edinburgh Accies)

"It's important we build on a great result against Marr and finish the season on a high …"– Scott Wight (Melrose)

Verdict: After five straight losses and with two regular season games left for them after this one, 10th place Accies are in desperate need of a win. Melrose defeated Marr last time out, but have drawn one and lost four of their other league games since the turn of the year. Accies must take advantage of their returning players and those missing for Melrose.

A tight home win.

Hawick v Ayr

Venue: Mansfield Park @ 3pm

Teams –

Hawick: K Ford; M Reid, A Mitchell, L Armstrong, C Welsh; K Brunton, G Welsh; S Muir ©, F Bell, N Little, S Frizzel, H Donaldson, R Anderson, M Brogan, C Sutherland. Subs: G Paxton, A Cannon, M Renwick, A Fairbairn, C Riddell, F Douglas.

Ayr: S Watson; T Lanni, J Shedden, A Stirrat, A McGowan, B Beattie ©, F Johnston; J Drummond, J Malcolm, R Tanner, E Bloodworth, R Jackson, R Sweeney, T Brown, B Mcpherson ©. Subs: J McAughtrie, C Rae, C Henderson, S Rae, B Frame, R Orr, L Bardelli.

Key clash: Nicky Little versus Jamie Drummond

Team news –

Hawick: Logan Henry has returned to New Zealand after picking up a contract there, so Gareth Welsh comes in at scrum-half from the team that lost to fortnight ago, and Russell Anderson, usually a hooker, replaces Fraser Renwick in the back-row. Injuries see Hawick name just five replacements with Grant Paxton poised for a debut if he gets on.

Ayr: Skipper Blair Macpherson returns to the side that played in the last league game with Jamie Drummond, James Malcolm, Ryan Sweeney, Fergus Johnston, Adam McGowan and Jamie Shedden (who is set to feature for Edinburgh on Friday night) also starting. Young front-row talent Jamie McAughtrie is on the bench.

What the coaches say –

"We are well aware of the task that awaits us on Saturday with Ayr coming to Mansfield Park. We know that our physicality has to be bang on this week as it has not been up to par in our last two games against Kelso and Peebles [the latter in the Border League]. We matched Ayr physically for 40 minutes at Millbrae, but we have to do that for 80 minutes now and any team that comes here we want to challenge them …"– Graham Hogg (Hawick)

"The boys are looking forward to what will hopefully be our last away game of the Premiership season. We have trained really well this week and we're delighted to hear that the Hawick captain isn't scared of us. We know he will be keen to add to his 'several' victories over us and so we are keen to be at our best for the full 80 minutes …" – Grant Anderson (Ayr)

Verdict: Hawick have key players such as Fraser Renwick and Jae Linton missing along with a host of others while Ayr will want to keep momentum going heading into the play-offs. Hawick always put up a fight on their home turf, but it is hard to see past the visitors here.

Away win.

Heriot's v Kelso

(For the Bill McLaren Shield)

Venue: Goldenacre @ 3pm

Teams –

Heriot's: G Coull; N Sakapaji, K Kutsuna, F Gibson, T Glendinning; R Jones, S Broad; C Keen, M Liness, E McLaren, P Spence, Jamie Campbell, J Hill, S Wallace, R Leishman ©. Subs: D Neill, A Munro, S Cessford, M Keough, Callum Anderson, R Kirkpatrick, A Reid.

Kelso: A Barbour; D Patterson co-©, H Tweedie, F Robson, R Tweedie; A Jackson, A Tait; G Shiells, N Barnes, D Gamble, C Thompson, K Melbourne co-©, A Asante, M Woodcock, B McNeil. Subs: A McGregor, H Grant, S Wood, N Stingl, W Tweedie, M Cranston, A Utterson.

Key clash: Kenta Kutsuna versus Hamish Tweedie

Team news –

Heriot's: The pack remains unchanged. A few changes in the backs due to unavailability, injuries and Paris trips. Kenta Kutsuna will play his last game for Heriot's and everyone at the club will be sad to see him go. On the flip side, Edinburgh University student Angus Reid could make his first team debut off the bench.

Kelso: Jack Utterson, Liam McConnell, Euan Knox, Andrew Sweenie, Liam Herdman, Issac Coates and Adam Hall are all unavailable from the Hawick match two weeks ago and coming into the squad is Max Cranston, Harry Grant, Angus McGregor, Angus Utterson, Nik Stingl, Arran Jackson and Sam Wood.

What the coaches say –

"For the bulk of the season, due to injuries, Kelso’s league position has been a false indicator of the quality of their squad. They have a good mix of experience and some excellent young players and I am sure they will be looking to add to their recent run of victories and secure their Premiership status for next season. With a good weather forecast, and a firm dry pitch and Goldenacre, this should be a highly competitive and highly entertaining game …"– Bob McKillop (Heriot's)

"We are now in a position to try and cement a place in next season's Premiership and one more win from our remaining three fixtures will do that. It is not a given at all so the players must stay focused on the task in hand. This is a very tough assignment heading to Goldenacre against a team who are racking up points for fun and are in fine form. We will need to dig deep and frustrate them to stay in the fight, any points away to Heriot's would be a good return and could go a long way to helping us prevent relegation fears …" – Bruce McNeil (Kelso)

Verdict: Kelso have won three of their last four to boost their chances of staying up while four home wins on the bounce means they now have their name engraved on the Bill McLaren Shield. A bit of a re-jigged backline for Heriot's, but their settled pack should get them on the front foot in this one as they look to sharpen up for the play-offs.

Home win.

Musselburgh v Marr

Venue: Stoneyhill @ 3pm

Teams –

Musselburgh: T Foley, O Byass, M McCowan, B Heber, S Watt; B Weatherhead, D Owenson; R Brown, B Stott, E Bonthron, J Haynes, A Mataitini, D Jakeman, M Crawford, J Lister ©. Subs: Z Griffith, C Owenson, M Thomas, J Talac, J Anderson, J Arnold, O Craig.

Marr: C Inglis; L Jarvie, S Bickerstaff; A Bryden, J Jacobson; C Sturgeon, G Baird ©; S Khan, B Jardine, C Miller, D Andrew, C Young, M Kirk, A Orr, B Johnston. Subs: G Dick, A King, C Steel, A Bowler, J Scott, Ruari Anderson, G Beckwith.

Key clash: Bruce Weatherhead versus Colin Sturgeon

Team news –

Musselburgh: With Rory Watt not involved, No 8 Jordan Lister skippers a side which has the likes of Ross Brown, Bob Stott, Euan Bonthron, Jack Haynes, Murray McCowan and Ollie Byass coming in, while teenager Bruce Weatherhead is at 10.

Marr: Loose-head Shabaz Khan, second-row David Andrew and back-row Michael Kirk all start.

What the coaches say –

"We were all bitterly disappointed in our last performance at Melrose so we have worked hard to fix the wrongs. Musselburgh is a tough place to go and get a positive result so we need to be accurate when we get our chances …"– Kenny Diffenthal (Marr)

Verdict: Marr were poor last time out at Melrose, but won the time before that at Accies and know they need a win here to keep up hopes of staying up and make use of their games in hand over those around them. Musselburgh are already down and will see this as a 'free-hit', so Marr need to take advantage of the fact that they have something to play for.

Away win.

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The post Arnold Clark Men's Premiership round 20 preview: runners, riders and verdict appeared first on Scottish Rugby News from The Offside Line.