Stafford McDowall will earn a ninth cap at inside centre for Scotland within the place of injured captain Sione Tuipulotu in an in any other case skilled backline to face Italy of their Six Nations opener at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Tuipulotu is predicted to overlook the complete competitors in an enormous blow for coach Gregor Townsend, however McDowall will have the ability to present his high quality as he companions Huw Jones within the midfield.
“Stafford has been very constant for Glasgow (Warriors) and for us when he has had the chance,” Scotland coach Gregor Townsend mentioned.
“He actually brings a physicality and an edge to the sport, each in assault and defence.”
Blair Kinghorn is at fullback, with Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham on the wings. Co-captain Finn Russell is at fly-half with Ben White making up the halfback pairing.
Matt Fagerson is at No. 8, with flankers Rory Darge (additionally co-captain) and Jamie Ritchie within the again row. Jonny Grey and Grant Gilchrist make up the lock pairing.
Hooker Dave Cherry has props Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson both aspect of him. Cherry will play his first sport because the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Scotland are looking for to carry the trophy for the primary time since 1999, the final 12 months it was referred to as the 5 Nations and earlier than Italy’s entry into the competitors.
“Getting to start out at house is huge and it has been a superb coaching week. Italy are a top quality aspect and have proven that for 2 or three years,” Townsend mentioned.
“They’ve been a tough opponent for us and different groups. They actually upped their sport in final 12 months’s Six Nations with two wins and a draw, and a type of victories was towards us, so they are going to be assured.
“There’s intelligence in how they play, after they take care of the ball, after they transfer it. They’re a top quality aspect and play with loads of ardour.”
Scotland:
Pierre Schoeman, Dave Cherry, Zander Fagerson, Jonny Grey, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge (co-captain), Matt Fagerson, Ben White, Finn Russell, Duhan van der Merwe, Stafford McDowall, Huw Jones, Darcy Graham, Blair Kinghorn.
Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Will Hurd, Gregor Brown, Jack Dempsey, George Horne, Tom Jordan, Kyle Rowe.
1:05
Italy beat Scotland to set new Tier 1 report
Relive three basic Six Nations video games between Italy and Scotland forward of the 2025 match this weekend.
Additional studying:
– Why every workforce will discover Six Nations success, and why they will not
– WATCH: Can Scotland win their first title since 1999? ESPN writers debate
– Six Nations and Girls’s Six Nations: Full fixture listing
– Six Nations historical past, previous winners, extra
