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Rugby Union

Hadden defends Scottish selection

22/05/2007

Scotland head coach Frank Hadden has hit back at suggestions from his USA counterpart that his team selection represents a breach of the spirit of the Churchill Cup.

Nigel Melville, a former England international who now coaches the Eagles, claimed that Hadden's line-up for their match does not tally with their status as an 'A' side.

The Churchill Cup is contested between second-string England, Scotland and Ireland sides and full-strength USA, Canada and New Zealand Maori teams.

Melville was angered by the inclusion of ten full internationals in the Scottish side for Wednesday night's game in Henley.

But Hadden insists that, despite the presence of players like Simon Webster and Rory Lawson, his team is still significantly weaker than what he could field.

"Last year, our 'A' team played minus 24 players who were touring South Africa with Scotland. This year, our 'A' team are playing minus 26 players who are being rested ahead of the rugby World Cup this autumn," he said.

"So, if anything, we are two players weaker than we were last season."

The United States lost their first game of the tournament 51-3 to the England Saxons.

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