Heriot's v Ayr preview

Ayr go east for their second away match of the season as they face Heriot's at Goldenacre.  Despite a very encouraging 29-0 win over Currie last week, Ayr won't be going into this game with any complacency.  The last time they played at Heriot's ground, it was an extremely difficult encounter which the visitors just managed to survive.  Much the same is expected this weekend.

"Heriot's always pose a difficult challenge as they play a good brand of open rugby," says Ayr head coach Peter Laverie.  "Jason Hill and Murray Douglas are key players up front and they have plenty of threat in the back line with Graham Wilson, Colin Goudie, Liam Steele and Cammy Ferguson."

Laverie continues: "Our performance last week against Currie was very pleasing and the key lesson will be to exercise patience and not try to force play.  Our players are keen for a win and I think this game could be a real cracker to watch."

There are a few changes to this week's squad.  Prop James Malcolm sustained a broken wrist in a gym accident, so Zimbabwaen international Denford Mutamangira moves up from the bench.  His place is covered by Glasgow Warriors' new Fijian signing Jerry Yanuyanutawa.

Sylvain Diez returns to the stand-off position and scrum-half Murray McConnell gets his first start of the season, as does Callum Templeton in the back row.  Colin Dunn takes his place amongst the substitutes after two years of heavy work commitments prevented him from training.

This game marks the final time Colin White will wear the pink and black shirt, as he heads off to pastures new in Italy.  The former age-grade international, Glasgow Warriors and Scotland 7s player has been the head of Ayr Rugby Academy and has laid the foundation for the next generation of players in Ayrshire to thrive. 

Laverie pays tribute: "Colin has been a real stalwart of the side over the past few years and has been a significant part of our success.  We wish him well."


Team:
15. Grant Anderson, 14. Craig Gossman, 13. Robbie Fergusson, 12, Dean Kelbrick, 11. Kerr Gossman; 10. Sylvain Diez, 9. Murray McConnell; 1. Denford Mutamangira, 2. Fergus Scott, 3. Nick Cox; 4. Scott Sutherland, 5. Colin White; 6. Callum Templeton, 7. Graham Fisken, 8. Calum Forrester (capt).

Replacements:
16. David Young, 17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18. Colin Dunn, 19. Peter Jericevich, 20. Finn Russell.


Kick-off 3pm.  Score updates will be available on Twitter.

EH