Sport

Herron called up to face New Scotland

Ireland coach Steve O'Neill has made two changes to his side for the World Cup clash with Scotland at Tolka Park tonight.

Wed Nov 01 2000 - 00:00

Ireland coach Steve O'Neill has made two changes to his side for the World Cup clash with Scotland at Tolka Park tonight.

Belfast-born Ian Herron takes over from veteran Mark Forster on the wing, while hooker Jonny Lawless is promoted from the bench and replaces Danny Williams.

After their 30-16 victory over Samoa in their opening game, another win tonight will see Ireland qualify for the knockout phase of the competition.

"We are expecting a harder game than we had on Saturday," admitted Herron.

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"There is no way that I went along with the line that Scotland were the weakest team in our group.

"I always thought it would come down to ourselves, Scotland and the Maori.

"They have a number of players with Super League clubs, or experience of the National Rugby League in Australia and after losing their first match, they will want a big game tomorrow."

Ireland's preparation for the game has been disrupted by the postponement of yesterday's planned training session at Tolka Park because ground officials fear excessive use of the pitch could turn it into a quagmire.

Ireland's final group four game against the New Zealand Maoris will be played at Tolka Park on Saturday.

Scotland winger Graham Mackay will miss tonight's clash with Ireland. The Leeds star limped off with a calf injury during the 17-16 defeat by New Zealand Maoris on Sunday and has returned to Yorkshire for treatment in a bid to be fit for the final group game against Samoa next weekend.

Ireland: S Prescott (Hull), B Carney (Wigan), M Withers (Bradford), M Eager (Castleford), I Herron (Hull), T Martyn (St Helens), R Sheridan (Leeds), T O'Connor (Wigan), J Lawless (Huddersfield), B McDermott (Leeds), C Joynt (St Helens), K Campion (Brisbane), L Ricketson (Sydney Roosters).

Scotland: L Penny (Warrington), M Daylight (Cronulla), G Bell (North Queensland), L Gilmour (Bradford), M Crowther (Hull), A Purcell (Castleford), R Horne (Hull), D Heckenberg (St George-Illawarra), D Russell (Huddersfield), D Laughton (Huddersfield), S Logan (Sydney City), S Cram (London), A Vowles (Castleford).