'Row could help Scotland' says Williams

Scotland coach is staying positive

Scotland coach Matt Williams has put a positive spin on the recent row that has erupted between Murrayfield and English Premiership clubs over player availability. Williams believes the dispute could in fact speed up his 'Fortress Scotland' policy.

England clubs are refusing to release Scotland players for the team's Test against Australia at Murrayfield on November 6 because it allegedly falls outside the 'international window' put aside for the November Tests.

The match was arranged principally to raise revenue for the debt-ridden Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) but is being marketed as a game to mark the opening of the Scottish Parliament.

Scotland now look set to face the might of Australia without the likes of Tom Smith, Jason White, Ben Hinshelwood and Stuart Grimes - a prospect that at first left Williams less than amused.

Newcastle coach Rob Andrew lashed out at the SRU and Williams for arranging the extra Test and also used the recent fracas to criticise the frequency of Scotland squad training sessions, claiming Williams holds more than any other home nation.

Andrew has already had a run in with the SRU this season after he refused initially to release Stuart Grimes and Craig Hamilton for a squad session is September.

But Williams insists, that in the long term, the situation will work in favour of Scotland.

"I am very disappointed that English clubs are depriving guys of the chance of playing for their country against the World Cup finalists, but if it helps us get more back in the long-term then it will help Scottish rugby," Williams told the Scotsman.

"It was wrong of Rob [Andrew] to say that we are pulling his players away for training more than anyone else - we have 14 sessions to England's 16 this season - but if that's how he wants to portray the situation then fine.

"I'd certainly be happier if our players were here and, to me, this just helps explain why.

"Some people have laughed at my intentions with Fortress Scotland, but I still believe strongly that we have to have as many players as possible of those vying for places in the 2007 World Cup squad playing in Scotland.

"The Zurich Premiership clubs are not interested in Scottish rugby and they have made it clear they don't want to help us with this one game.

"There is one exception, [Leeds Tykes coach] Gareth Davies, who has been an international captain for Wales and feels passionately about ensuring players are not denied the opportunity to represent their country.

"But, I understand English clubs not being interested in Scotland - they exist to look after themselves and English rugby. So, we have to understand in Scotland that Scottish rugby has to look itself and so our players have to be playing in our country."

"Look at how the Borders and Glasgow, in particular, have started this season with resources that don't compare with other Celtic League sides.

"They are playing some very good rugby, not just hanging on, scrapping away, and they will continue to improve and will win games.

"But how much better might they be with Stuart Grimes, Craig Hamilton and Iain Fullarton fighting for second row spots, Gordy Ross and Duncan Hodge at fly-half, Ben Hinshelwood in the centre, Gavin Kerr and Tom Smith in the front row, Jason White on a flank, Robbie Kydd at full-back?

"What would the competition for places be like then and how much better might our teams be in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup?"