 | CELTIC LEAGUE Borders v Celtic Warriors Friday, 5 September, 1930 BST Netherdale |
Aisea Havili and Sililo Martens will turn out for the Celtic Warriors at Netherdale before leaving the new region to join Tonga's World Cup squad. Flanker Richard Parks, still smarting after being omitted from Wales' World Cup plans, starts on the bench, but Jon Bryant and Gareth Wyatt play after representing Wales against Romania.
Injuries and international calls mean that coach Lynn Howells is without 18 of his squad, but they are determined to make the best of the challenge.
"The fringe players have got a chance to come through and cut their teeth at this level," said Howells.
"We had already made contingency plans for the summer internationals and these players can now put their hands up and show what they can do."
In a late change, Shaun James replaces Jonathan Bryant in the centre after Bryant's wife went into labour. Richard Mustoe comes onto the bench
The Borders have opted to leave experienced Scotland international Gregor Townsend on the bench.
The 77-times capped stand-off had been released from international duty this weekend as Scotland prepare to face Ireland but head coach Tony Gilbert has named Clark Laidlaw.
"Clark has been playing very well and is growing in confidence," said Gilbert.
"Gregor is available and it's great to have such a talented and important player back with us.
"But I didn't really consider him for a starting place because he hasn't been training and playing with The Borders.
"I'm sure we'll look to give him some game-time at some point."
The Borders have added Northampton prop Kelvin Todd to their squad after the 26-year-old arrived on a month-long trial, but he cannot face the Warriors.
Former Scotland captain Gary Armstrong is named at scrum-half, while Craig Dunlea, Calum MacRae, Cammie Murray and Matt Taylor all miss out.
Borders: G Morton, N Walker, S Cranston, K Utterson (captain), A Turnbull, C Laidlaw, G Armstrong, A Johnston, Steve Scott, G Cross, D Weir, C Stewart, A Rennick, D Kane, C Feather.
Replacements: R Ford, G Graham, R MacLeod, T Walker, C Cusiter, G Townsend, S Paterson.
Celtic Warriors: G Cull; G Wyatt, D Bishop, S James, A Havili; N Jenkins, S Martens; P Booth, A Joy, C Horsman, D Jones, N Budgett, R Jones, R Bryan (capt), C Harris.
Replacements: D Goodfield, M Jones, N Kelly, R Parks, P John, R Mustoe, M Nutthall.
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
MMIX
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