Scotland Recall Key Duo for Cardiff Clash with Wales
Scotland have announced five changes to their starting lineup for Saturday's Six Nations encounter against Wales in Cardiff, with the notable recall of British & Irish Lions stars Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe. The duo were left out of the squad for the opening matches against Italy and England due to form concerns, but have now been reinstated to bolster the team's attacking options.
Backline Reinforcements for Scotland
Blair Kinghorn, the Toulouse full-back, steps into the starting XV in place of Tom Jordan, who moves to the bench. Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland's all-time leading try-scorer, returns on the wing, taking over from the injured Jamie Dobie. These changes aim to inject pace and experience into the backline as Scotland seek to build on their recent victory over England.
Forward Pack Adjustments
In the pack, three further alterations have been made following the 31-20 win against England. Dave Cherry replaces George Turner at hooker, with Turner dropping to the bench. Injuries to Jamie Ritchie and Jack Dempsey see Matt Fagerson come in at No 8, while versatile forward Gregor Brown shifts to blindside flanker from the second row. Max Williamson of Glasgow takes Brown's previous spot in the second row, adding fresh energy to the forward unit.
Substitutes Grant Gilchrist and Josh Bayliss are restored to the squad, with head coach Gregor Townsend opting for a 5-3 bench split to maintain flexibility.
Wales Introduce Debutant Hamer-Webb
Wales have made four changes from the side that suffered a heavy defeat to France, including the debut of Leicester wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb. The Bath-born player, who represented England at Under-20 level, qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother and has impressed in training with his dedication and team spirit.
Head coach Steve Tandy praised Hamer-Webb, stating, "Gabe has really impressed me in the way he's attacked training and adapted to the squad. His efforts have been outstanding, and this opportunity is thoroughly deserved." He replaces Ellis Mee on the wing, while Sam Costelow returns at outside-half after last playing for Wales in July.
Further Welsh Changes and Team Outlook
In the pack, Ben Carter is preferred over Adam Beard in the second row, and Taine Plumtree fills the blindside flanker position. Aaron Wainwright moves back to No 8, with Olly Cracknell dropping out. New faces on the bench include Freddie Thomas, James Botham, and Blair Murray, as Wales aim to end a run of 13 consecutive Six Nations defeats.
Tandy emphasized the need for freshness and consistency, saying, "We feel this is the best team to take on Scotland. With a six-day turnaround, we want some freshness and to build on our performance with more consistent moments." Wales have not won a Six Nations home game since February 2022, adding pressure to this crucial fixture.
Team Lineups and Context
Scotland arrive in Cardiff buoyed by their Calcutta Cup triumph over England, which helped them recover from an opening loss to Italy. Wales, meanwhile, have lost 23 of their last 25 Tests, making this match a pivotal moment in their campaign.
Wales Starting XV: L Rees-Zammit (Bristol), G Hamer-Webb (Leicester), E James, J Hawkins (both Scarlets), J Adams (Cardiff), S Costelow (Scarlets), T Williams (Gloucester); R Carre (Saracens), D Lake (Ospreys, capt), T Francis (Provence), D Jenkins (Exeter), B Carter (Dragons), T Plumtree (Scarlets), A Mann (Cardiff), A Wainwright (Dragons).
Replacements: R Elias (Scarlets), N Smith (Leicester), A Griffin (Bath), F Thomas (Gloucester), J Botham (Cardiff), K Hardy (Ospreys), J Evans, B Murray (Scarlets).
Scotland Starting XV: Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Finn Russell (Bath), Ben White (Toulon); Nathan McBeth (Glasgow), Dave Cherry (Vannes), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow), Max Williamson (Glasgow), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Gregor Brown (Glasgow), Rory Darge (Glasgow), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow).
Replacements: George Turner (Harlequins), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Elliot Millar Mills (Northampton), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), George Horne (Glasgow), Tom Jordan (Bristol), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh).
