New Scotland hookers fit seamlessly - Ashman

Scotland’s Ewan Ashman says his role has not drastically changed despite being the most experienced hooker in the Nations Championship squad.

Uncapped Glasgow Warriors pair Gregor Hiddleston and Seb Stephen are in line for debuts this summer, with George Turner and Dave Cherry both injured.

Ashman has 14 tries in 35 caps, a record for a Scotland forward, but says competition and camaraderie among the hookers remains the same despite the changes.

“I can’t say I’ve felt like it’s shifted too much,” he said. “I think everybody, they fit in so seamlessly.

“They’re good lads, really good characters and easy to get along with. So we all kind of contribute and push each other.

“They’re quality rugby players as well. So they add loads to the group and it’s nice to bounce things off them. And I’m excited to see them hopefully get a run out.”

Ashman says Scotland have moved on from November’s horrible defeat by Argentina, when they ceded a 21-0 lead.

As the squad prepares for the re-match, the 26-year-old, who scored twice in the game, believes that low was a turning point for Scotland.

“We had a lot of conversations on the back of that game and talked about those momentum shifts,” the Edinburgh hooker said.

“It ended up being a massive learning for us. And we took a lot of positives out of that and how to deal with that.

“I think that showed in a couple of our Six Nations performances. We’re dealing with the momentum swings and you look at those France game and the England game.

“It’s made us a better team and it’s something we’re still working on. But it’s definitely improved as a group.”