Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend unveiled the team that will take on England in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations this Saturday, at the Allianz Stadium in London. Townsend highlighted three key changes to the starting lineup as the Scots prepare for a challenging afternoon against the English on their home soil.
The squad sees the return of Kyle Rowe on the wing, stepping in for Darcy Graham, who has been sidelined following a concussion sustained in the previous match against Ireland. Rowe, with 10 caps to his name, brings experience from last year’s Six Nations, where he featured in four of Scotland’s five games. In the front row, Pierre Schoeman reclaims his spot at loosehead prop, relegating Rory Sutherland to the bench. Meanwhile, Jamie Ritchie, a former captain who led Scotland to victory at Twickenham in 2023, is restored to the back row, with Matt Fagerson moving to the replacements.
The back three remains formidable, with Blair Kinghorn holding the full-back position and Duhan van der Merwe joining Rowe on the wings. Co-captains Finn Russell and Rory Darge will steer the side, with Russell at fly-half and Darge in the back row alongside Ritchie and Jack Dempsey. The lineup is bolstered by a strong bench, including Ewan Ashman, Sutherland, and Zander Fagerson, ensuring depth for the Calcutta Cup showdown.
This selection suggests a strategical continuity with small tactical adjustments as Scotland aim to build on their recent performances in the championship. Fans can catch all the action live at 16:45 on ITV and STV this Saturday.
Starting lineup
- Blair Kinghorn – Toulouse
- Kyle Rowe – Glasgow Warriors
- Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors
- Tom Jordan – Glasgow Warriors
- Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh Rugby
- Finn Russell – Co-Captain – Bath Rugby
- Ben White – Toulon
- Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby
- Dave Cherry – Edinburgh Rugby
- Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors
- Jonny Gray – Bordeaux Bègles
- Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby
- Jamie Ritchie – Edinburgh Rugby
- Rory Darge – Co-Captain – Glasgow Warriors
- Jack Dempsey – Glasgow Warriors
Replacements
- Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby
- Rory Sutherland – Glasgow Warriors
- Will Hurd – Leicester Tigers
- Sam Skinner – Edinburgh Rugby
- Gregor Brown – Glasgow Warriors
- Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors
- Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors
- Stafford McDowall – Glasgow Warriors
When: Saturday 22nd, 16.45
Where to watch: STV/ITV
