New coach Andy Robinson has handed centre Alex Grove and prop Kyle Traynor their first starts for Scotland A for the clash with Russia in Romania.

Robinson, who was appointed coach of the A tour before being given the nod to become national boss, insists the new-boys deserve their chance after impressive campaigns for their clubs.

Grove, 21, broke into the Worcester team last season and scored five tries while Traynor impressed under Robinson at Edinburgh.

"Alex has been given an opportunity to start in the backs because I've liked what I've seen of him so far," said Robinson ahead of the opening match of the IRB Nations Cup.

"And Kyle also deserves his chance after the season he had at Edinburgh.

"Everything has gone well so far and I've been really pleased with the way the squad have trained in the heat.

"We've now got to go and prove that on the pitch against Russia, we've got an experienced team and we want to put down a marker for the rest of the tournament."