Rugby Union: Wasps' need means Reed misses out

Andy Reed, the Scotland and Lions lock, yesterday became the latest casualty of the club versus country issue. The Wasps forward was originally named in the squad for the Scotland A match against South Africa A at Hawick on Friday night but is needed for his club's Anglo-Welsh League game at Pontypridd tomorrow and was not able to attend the training sessions.

Doug Morgan, the Scotland A team manager, announcing a squad of 21 for Friday's match, said: "We picked Reed initially in our squad but Wasps required him for their match on Wednesday night. I felt that this was not the ideal preparation for a Scotland A game. Proper preparation is vital and that means players attending squad sessions."

George Graham will miss the Scotland A game through injury. The former rugby league forward was selected to play against Australia last Wednesday but had to withdraw because of a calf injury.

The Scotland A squad shows several changes to the 21 on duty at Galashiels last Wednesday for the Australians' opening tour match in Scotland. The significant newcomer among the backs is the wing James Craig, while also in the squad is Watsonians full-back Derrick Lee.

In the forwards, there is promotion for locks Stuart Grimes and Scott Aitken, who have performed well in Heineken European Cup matches this season, and there is a recall for the capped prop John Manson, who was out of action earlier this season through injury.

Injury-hit Australia will field tour replacement Tim Gavin and their trainer in the side to play the Scottish Districts Select XV at McDiarmid Park in Perth today.

Gavin, the Wallaby back-row player has been summoned following injuries to both No 8s Mike Brial and Mark Connors.

But Gavin, normally a No 8, will pack down in the second row alongside John Welborn or Warwick Waugh. Dirk Williams, the tourists' 35-year-old trainer, has been drafted in to play at blind-side flanker.

Scotland A squad, Scotland Districts team, Digest, page 25