Rugby-Scotland debut for Grove as Cusiter gets scrumhalf nod

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Worcester centre Alex Grove will make his Scotland debut against Fiji on Saturday while Chris Cusiter has won the battle with Mike Blair for the scrumhalf's shirt and captaincy, coach Andy Robinson said on Monday.

Prop Moray Low will make his first start in the Murrayfield match (1430GMT), the first under Robinson since the former England coach was appointed in June.

Chris Paterson has to settle for a place on the bench as Phil Godman takes the flyhalf berth and Rory Lamont starts at fullback.

"We have selected a side that's full of power; that has the pace but also has the skill level to break down the Fijians," Robinson told www.scotlandrugbyteam.org.

"Fiji are above us in the IRB rankings and are a very dangerous team to play against. They are a very strong, powerful side who also hit very hard. We have to match fire with fire."

Robinson had previously announced that the captaincy would go to whichever of his scrumhalves is on the field as the long-running battle for supremacy between Cusiter and Blair continues.

Scotland also have November games against Australia and Argentina.

(Editing by Justin Palmer; To comment on this story: sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)