LAWSON NAMED IN SCOTLAND SQUAD
he experienced scrum-half, 31, who moved to the North East from Gloucester in the summer, is included in Andy Robinson’s squad for the first time since the 2011 World Cup.
With 30 Scottish caps already to his name, Lawson has been in fine form for the northeasterners this campaign, as Falcons boss Dean Richards aims to guide his troops back to the big time at the first time of asking.
Scotland head coach Robinson has rang the changes for the visit of Tonga after back-to-back home defeats against New Zealand and South Africa.
Lawson is one of four changes on the bench with fellow No.9 Henry Pyrgos getting the nod for a starting berth after coming off the bench to cross the whitewash against the Springboks last week.
“We will not be among the top eight seeds for the 2015 Rugby World Cup draw, so this weekend I’m looking at giving a number of players an opportunity to put their hand up for selection for next year,” Robinson told Scotland Rugby’s official website.
He added: “This weekend we have to put together an 80 minutes performance and build on the positive parts of our game that we showed in the last 30 minutes against South Africa and the second half against New Zealand.
“International rugby is about pressure and it’s important that you convert your pressure into points and when you are under pressure that you are able to absorb it as opposed to conceding points as cheaply as we have done.”
Robinson prepares to face a side that succumbed to defeat at Kingston Park over a week ago when tries from Scott MacLeod and Mark Wilson coupled with a penalty try secured the Falcons’ twelfth consecutive triumph of the season.
“It’s great we are here in Aberdeen and that there’s likely to be a sell-out crowd,” said Robinson.
“Thanks to all supporters for their backing – the atmosphere at Murrayfield over the last fortnight has been the best that I’ve seen,” he added.
