Hadden: We are in good shape

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Hadden named his 30-man party on Tuesday and it included Perpignan scrum-half Chris Cusiter, who is expected to recover from an ankle injury in time for the tournament. Openside flanker John Barclay, 20, was confirmed as the only uncapped player in the squad, which is captained by Jason White.

Hadden said: "I have selected a squad that has the ability to do something special at the World Cup and make our country proud. It is the most competitive squad we could muster."

He added: "The decision to omit nine players from the squad was tough. I spoke with all but one of those players face to face on Monday and thanked them for their huge contribution."

Gordon Ross, who recently joined Saracens from Castres, emerged as the biggest casualty of Hadden's cull.

Chris Paterson's performance at stand-off in the 31-21 victory against Ireland on Saturday ensured he and Dan Parks will contest that position.

The squad includes just 10 players with World Cup experience and consists of 13 backs and 17 forwards.

Hadden defended the decision to select a forward-heavy squad, adding: "It's not an uncommon split.

"It reflects how tough it's going to be, especially for the forwards playing so many games in such a close period of time, and also reflects on that wee bit more flexibility within the backs.

"Overall this is a more mature group than we could have chosen two years ago."