Scotland call up Duhan van der Merwe for Six Nations duty

Scotland call up Duhan van der Merwe for Six Nations duty

Blair Kinghorn, Duhan van der Merwe, Dave Cherry, Max Williamson and Matt Fagerson make up the five changes to the starting XV. Josh Bayliss and Grant Gilchrist complete seven changes to the 23, both named among the replacements.

Scotland's front row remains anchored by Nathan McBeth and Zander Fagerson at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively, while Dave Cherry returns to the starting line-up at hooker.

The second-row combination sees Williamson starting alongside Scott Cummings, whilst Gregor Brown moves to blindside flanker. Rory Darge remains at openside, and Matt Fagerson has been handed the number eight jersey, having made an impact off the bench against England.

For the back division, Townsend has opted to keep the same half-back pairing of Ben White and Finn Russell. In midfield, captain Sione Tuipulotu will once again partner with Huw Jones, whilst last week's Guinness Player of the Match, Kyle Steyn retains his place on the right wing.

The remaining changes to the backline see Kinghorn selected at full-back and van der Merwe starting on the left wing.

Among the replacements, Pierre Schoeman and Elliot Millar Mills provide front-row reinforcements, with George Turner listed as the replacement hooker.

Gilchrist returns to supply experienced cover in the second row, while Bayliss provides versatility across the back row. Tom Jordan, George Horne and Darcy Graham complete the matchday 23 as backline options.

Scotland - 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Gregor Brown, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Max Williamson, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Dave Cherry, 1 Nathan McBeth.

Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Elliot Millar Mills, 19 Grant Gilchrist, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 George Horne, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Darcy Graham.

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