Ayr v Melrose preview

An exciting afternoon lies ahead at Millbrae on Saturday as Scotland's two best teams go head-to-head in round five of the BT Premiership.

A battle between visiting top dogs Melrose and hosts Ayr, who are just a point behind the Borderers in the table, fans can expect some excellent rugby, and it's not just the supporters who are keenly anticipating the tie.

"Ayr and Melrose have enjoyed a number of fierce encounters in recent years, and we look forward to the challenge," says Ayr RFC head coach Calum Forrester. "Rob (Chrystie, Melrose coach) has got his team playing well, scoring points for fun and posing threats right across the team. Likewise, our performances have been improving over the weeks, and with both teams looking to preserve their unbeaten start to the season, it is set to be a great match."

Ayr's squad remains settled five weeks into the season, and there are only a few changes to the team. Frazier Climo returns at stand-off and David Young moves to the bench, with James Malcolm taking over at hooker.

Malcolm's fellow Glasgow Warrior, Canadian international prop Djustice Sears-Duru is in line to make his Ayr debut from the bench.

Ayr
15. Grant Anderson (c); 14. Danny McCluskey, 13. Archie Russell, 12. Ross Curle, 11. Craig Gossman; 10. Frazier Climo, 9. David Armstrong; 1. George Hunter, 2. James Malcolm, 3. Steven Longwell; 4. Robert McAlpine, 5. Scott Sutherland; 6. Will Bordill, 7. Gregor Henry, 8. Blair Macpherson.

Replacements
16. David Young, 17. Djustice Sears-Duru, 18. Craig Stevenson, 19. Cameron Taylor, 20. Jamie Bova.

Melrose
15. Fraser Thomson; 14. Ross McCann, 13. Richard Taylor, 12. Craig Jackson, 11. Austin Lockington; 10. Jason Baggott, 9. Murdo McAndrew; 1. Jamie Bhatti, 2. Russell Anderson, 3. Nick Beavon; 4. James Head, 5. Ruaridh Knott; 6. Neil Irvine Hess, 7. Grant Runicman (c), 8. Ian Moddy.

Replacments
16. Cammy McKay, 17. Dan Elkington, 18. Ali Grieve, 19. Struan Hutchinson, 20. Nyle Godsmark.

Kick-off 3pm!

Ayr 2nd XV v Melrose Storm, 3pm.

Cumnock v Millbrae RFC, 3pm.