Godman is confident of a win in Argentina
Four changes for Scotland
Published:
FLY-HALF Phil Godman expects to lead Scotland to victory in the second Test match against Argentina in Buenos Aires tomorrow (8.10pm).
The Edinburgh stand-off was confirmed as Dan Parks’ replacement by coach Frank Hadden following the 21-15 defeat to the Pumas in Rosario last weekend.
“I hope it will be very intense, very physical, a real battle,” said Godman.
“I am really excited and super-nervous at the same time, and I hope I can bring something to the game.
“We have to get good ball so we can run better with the forwards and seal the pace of the match.
“I am confident that with all the hard work of this week I can help achieve that goal.”
The 26-year-old, who will win his ninth cap after being an unused substitute in Rosario, believes Scotland need to find a rhythm if they are to level the series.
“We have to be more accurate as it is a narrow pitch and also give short passes. Those were some of our mistakes last week.
“The breakdown will be important to have a more reasonable platform for the forwards, something we didn’t do last week.
“We need to kick the ball up as quickly as possible and attack them.”
Glasgow Warriors openside flanker John Barclay was also named as a starter and he is expected to bring balance in the breakdown.
The 21-year-old loose forward hopes to be captain Mike Blair’s shadow in order to let the scrum-half play freely.
“The contact areas were quite messy last week with Mike getting caught at the breakdown a lot,” said Barclay.
“Part of my job is protecting him. We have to slow down their ball as much we can to make sure our ball is secure.”
He added: “We are not expecting to win, we want to win desperately.
“It is a very important match for us for the world ranking and to gain more confidence.”
Under pressure coach Frank Hadden has made two more changes to the side that lost in Rosario, with Simon Webster and Hugo Southwell also coming into the starting XV.
Wing Chris Paterson will become Scotland’s most capped player, overtaking Scott Murray’s record of 87 caps for the national side.
SCOTLAND: Hugo Southwell, Chris Paterson, Ben Cairns, Graeme Morrison, Simon Webster, Phil Godman, Mike Blair (captain); Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford, Euan Murray, Matt Mustchin, Scott MacLeod, Alasdair Strokosch, Allister Hogg, John Barclay. Subs: Dougie Hall, Alasdair Dickinson, Alastair Kellock, Kelly Brown, Rory Lawson, Dan Parks, Nick De Luca.
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