Pyrgos to skipper Scotland against Ireland

Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Henry Pyrgos will captain Scotland when the Dark Blues kick-off their World Cup preparations with Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin.

I don’t think Pyrgos’ captaincy call is any slight on Grant Gilchrist, it’s just more likely that Cotter wants his initial skipper to concentrate on playing his way back to match fitness after a considerable spell watching from the stands. Fouruncapped players are included in the party with New Zealand-born Hugh Blake alongside Mike Cusack, Stuart McInally and Allan Dell.

Coach Vern Cotter has named a 25-man squad for the match at the Aviva Stadium but has already confirmed Pyrgos will lead the side, which will be named on Thursday.

The squad is missing several key players, such as regular captain Greig Laidlaw and second row brothers Richie and Jonny Gray.

Scotland open their World Cup campaign against Japan before taking on USA in Leeds. The matches against Ireland, Italy (twice), and France will be played on consecutive Saturdays as the extended 47-man squad gear up for the main showpiece.