Gregor Townsend has restored Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe to Scotland's starting XV for Saturday's Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff, calling for 'huge determination' from the British & Irish Lions duo. Kinghorn starts at full-back in place of Tom Jordan, while Van der Merwe returns on the wing after Jamie Dobie was ruled out through injury.
'Blair was back playing on Sunday night for Toulouse so it's good to get an outlet when you've not been selected,' said the head coach. 'He played really well in that game and he's recovered quickly. Duhan's trained really well and very much been part of our squad, so there'll be a freshness around both of them coming back in and huge determination to play well.'
There are three further changes to the XV that beat England 31-20 last Saturday, all in the pack. Dave Cherry replaces George Turner at hooker, Matt Fagerson comes in at number eight for the injured Jack Dempsey, and Gregor Brown moves to blindside flanker with Max Williamson taking his place in the second row. Jamie Ritchie also misses out through injury.
Wales, who have lost 23 of their last 25 Tests, make four changes from the side beaten by France. Leicester wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb will make his debut, qualifying through his Cardiff-born mother. Sam Costelow replaces Dan Edwards at fly-half, Ben Carter comes into the second row, and Taine Plumtree starts at blindside flanker.
'Gabe has really impressed me in the way he's attacked training, the way he's learnt, the way he's adapted and the way he's just settled into the squad,' said Wales defence coach Steve Tandy. 'His training efforts have been outstanding.'
Scotland, who trained in Spain this week, are favourites against an ailing Wales side seeking to end a run of 13 straight Six Nations defeats. 'I'm sure last week a lot of people thought England were clear favourites, so the game is not about predictions and previous form,' said Townsend. 'It's a lot about what you do in those 80 minutes.'
