Scotland wary of holders Wales after Italy shock

Scotland Rugby League coach Steve McCormack is warning of a Welsh backlash, following their shock defeat to Italy in midweek, prior to their opening Alitalia European Cup fixture at Old Anniesland, Glasgow tomorrow (2.30pm kick-off).
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Oct 2010, 15:45 BST
Updated 9th Oct 2010, 04:23 BST

The Welsh, holders of the European Cup, slumped to a 13-6 defeat at Wrexham to Rugby League newcomers Italy and McCormack is well aware that Wales - who have union legend Gar-eth Thomas in their squad - will want to bounce back: "That result shocked the Rugby League fraternity and Wales could be like a wounded animal.

"By all accounts it was a young Welsh team that coach Iestyn Harris put out and only a handful may feature against Scotland but the expectation would have been for a convincing victory.

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"That didn't happen and they'll be going all out to make amends at Old Anniesland on Sunday," added McCormack, who has named his 20-man squad for the tournament opener.

Six stars from the Engage Super League look likely to start for Scotland including Danny Brough of Huddersfield Giants and Hull KR's Ben Fisher. Two Edinburgh Eagles players, Giles Lomax and Craig Borthwick, are also in the squad, which will be trimmed down to 17 on matchday.

Scotland squad: D Arnott (London Skolars), S Barlow (Halifax), J Benn (Castleford Panthers), C Borthwick (Edinburgh Eagles), D Brough (Huddersfield Giants), P Coupar (Workington Town), D Ferguson (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), B Fisher (Hull KR), A Henderson (Sheffield Eagles), K Henderson (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), J Howieson (Sheffield Eagles), B Lindsay (Sheffield Eagles), N Lowe (Hunslet Hawks), R Lunt (Doncaster), G Lomax (Edinburgh Eagles), J Steel (Featherstone Rovers), M Stringer (Sheffield Eagles), A Szostak (Sheffield Eagles), J Wardle (Huddersfield Giants), O Wilkes (Harlequins).

Related topics:ScotlandWalesItalyGlasgowSheffield Eagles