Hadden looks to ‘warrior’ Taylor

Mar 5 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

FRANK HADDEN sent for his “ultimate warrior” to rescue Scotland’s season as he recalled number eight Simon Taylor for Scotland’s crunch Calcutta Cup clash on Saturday.

Hadden could not find room for captain Jason White in his team to face England at Murrayfield as he left the Sale man on the bench, and there was no room in the match squad for Scott Murray, who had looked poised for an 88th cap.

But Stade Francais man Taylor will make his first appearance for the national side since the World Cup, the 28-year-old having missed the first three games of this season’s Six Nations because of a hand injury.

And, after proving his fitness for his French club side at the weekend, Hadden has parachuted the double British Lion straight back into his line-up as he looks to halt Scotland’s losing run.

“I was unable to get down to Biarritz to watch him play at the weekend, but I watched the match on TV and he’s ready to go. Obviously we’re delighted that he is available and we’re delighted have him back,” said the Scotland coach.

“He came off the bench for Stade Francais three weeks ago and played exactly the same way as he always plays. I’d describe him as the ultimate warrior.

“I was trying to think back to the last time I saw him have a poor game, and I think I’ve only seen that happen once in his career.

“He is a guy that never, ever lets you down, and I have enormous confidence in him being able to step up to the plate on Saturday.”

Taylor replaces Kelly Brown, and the only other change to the team beaten in Ireland last month sees Graeme Morrison come in at inside centre after almost four years in the international wilderness.

Morrison replaces his Glasgow Warriors club-mate Andy Henderson.

Despite playing most of his senior rugby at outside centre, Morrison’s performances at No 12 for Scotland A in the recent matches against Italy and Ireland persuaded Hadden to promote him to the senior side in the inside role.

Hadden said, “Graeme Morrison makes the side after two outstanding displays for the A team.

“He was playing inside centre, where he doesn’t normally play for his club, but he played extremely well and he deserves his opportunity as a result of that.

“I think I’ve picked Andy Henderson more than I’ve picked any other player since I started as Scotland coach, and he is an incredibly consistent performer, but I just couldn’t ignore the way Graeme played in the two A games.

“It was impossible to ignore, he was outstanding in both matches.

“This decision isn’t a reflection on Andy’s performance in Dublin because, as usual, he produced exactly what you expect of him.

“They are slightly different types of player. Graeme is a far more athletic player than Andy.”

Hadden believes the reason behind Morrison being regarded more as an outside rather than an inside centre has more to do with circumstance than the 25-year-old being better suited to that position.

“I’ve always felt personally that inside centre is his best position and I think a number of people have agreed with that,” said Hadden.

“But he is playing at a club where Andy Henderson fills that position and Daryl Gibson plays there as well.”