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Euan Murray’s return to Scotland could work against rock-bottom Newcastle

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Kenny Logan believes Murray’s extended stay in New Zealand could worsen Newcastle’s dismal Premiership start.

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By Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat, 0870 445 0156

KENNY LOGAN believes Euan Murray’s return to the Scotland side this weekend could work against rock-bottom Newcastle – by extending his stay in New Zealand.

While the Falcons worry about their dismal Premiership start, Murray has been restored to the Scotland front row for the must-win clash with the Auld Enemy, England, on Saturday.

The 31-year-old missed their agonising 13-12 reverse against Argentina as he doesn’t play on Sunday’s due to his religious beliefs.

Widely accepted as the best scrummager in the Scotland pack, Murray’s inclusion was a no-brainer for coach Andy Robinson after his front-row endured a tough time against the uncompromising Pumas.

With the Scots lacking the creative flair of their rivals, Murray and co. will favour an arm wrestle up front rather than a feast of flowing rugby in Eden Park on Saturday.

And with that in mind 70-cap Scotland winger Logan believes the return of Murray could see the Falcons denied his services for a little while longer with the quarter-final berth, a win could bag them.


A win with an eight-point margin would all-but guarantee them a spot in the knock-out phases and Logan said: “Euan Murray back is really important for such a big game against England and for what is going to be a really difficult game.

“His religion and his beliefs are something that you have got to respect but at the same time I think the fans will like to see him back and the England guys will know how good a scrummager he is.

“He’s played against Georgia and really dominated them and they are a really good scrummaging pack so it’s great to have him back.

“People like Euan can really make a big impact to the team in what is going to be a big game.”

If Murray and co. fails in their England victory quest they will become an unwanted statistic in the annals of Scottish history – the first side ever to fail to make it out of the pool stages.

But Logan believes the Newcastle tight-head can make sure the unthinkable doesn’t occur, adding: “He is the sort of player that can make those big tackles and have a huge influence on the scrum and put a lot of pressure on England and that is what we will need to do because it is going to be a very hard game.”

Heroes Rugby Challenge, Saturday 3 December 2011 at Twickenham Stadium, kicks off at 1630. Ticket prices start at £30 for adults and are available through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2492

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