Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham – the highest two try-scorers in Scotland historical past – in addition to British and Irish Lions Check full-back Blair Kinghorn have been not noted of the aspect for the Six Nations opener in opposition to Italy.
Coach Gregor Townsend has opted for a again three of Bristol’s Tom Jordan at full-back flanked by Glasgow Warriors wingers Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie – who will make his first begin in a Six Nations recreation – for Saturday’s recreation in Rome.
Graham is among the many replacements however Van der Merwe and Kinghorn are usually not even within the matchday 23, with stand-off Adam Hastings and scrum-half George Horne the opposite backs cowl.
Apart from the shock omissions of three 2025 Lions vacationers, Townsend’s choice for Scotland’s first recreation of the championship is in any other case predictable.
Grant Gilchrist, 35, has overwhelmed off the challenges of the younger Gregor Brown and Max Williamson to accomplice Scott Cummings, who missed final yr’s championship by way of damage, within the second row.
Matt Fagerson, vice-captain Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey kind an all-Glasgow again row, with versatile Warriors ahead Brown additionally protecting the breakaway unit.
Ewan Ashman, Scotland’s main try-scoring ahead, will get the nod at hooker forward of George Turner and could have Lions props Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson both aspect of him.
Ben White companions vice-captain Finn Russell at half-back regardless of sturdy claims from in-form Horne.
The midfield is the acquainted pairing of Huw Jones and captain Sione Tuipulotu – the 18th Check match the pair have performed collectively.
