The Scotsman's David Ferguson reports from Scotland's Rugby World Cup prepaprations.
"Youthful enthusiasm is a great attribute for any team, but there is nothing as reassuring as Test experience when a squad enters the pressurised World Cup environment.
There is no doubting the serious level of intensity players will face when they touch down in New Zealand for a World Cup that could suggest "rugby is coming home" with greater resonance than England could. The sense of anticipation off the field is terrific already, and the fever-pitch of what unfolds on it is likely to be at a nerve-shattering level come kick-off on 9 September.
That, therefore, goes some way to explaining why the Scotland coaches, in particular, are hugely relieved to see the names Euan Murray, Chris Cusiter and Mike Blair in this weekend's final EMC warm-up squad. It underlines why they were also prepared to take a chance with these players and leave their recovery from fitness to the last moment.
The trio bring a combined 90 years and 161 Test matches' worth of experience to what is in some areas a relatively callow squad. Chris Paterson may be making his fourth appearance in a tournament, but the vast majority are preparing for only their second."
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