By Fatma Younis
Scotland have recalled captain Sione Tuipulotu and fly-half Finn Russell for their Nations Championship clash against New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Scotland team changes
Neither player featured in Scotland's previous game, a 33-17 victory over Fiji in July. Gregor Brown partners Scott Cummings in the second row, while Matt Fagerson starts in the back row alongside Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey. Kyle Rowe is preferred at fullback over Blair Kinghorn, and Huw Jones partners Tuipulotu in midfield. Rory Sutherland starts at loosehead prop despite only one appearance for Glasgow this season due to a calf injury.
Milestone for Russell
The match will mark Russell's 100th international cap, adding to the four Tests he has played for the British and Irish Lions. Record try-scorer Darcy Graham and wing Duhan van der Merwe have been left out of the squad.
New Zealand lineup
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has made two changes from the side that last faced Australia in Sydney. Ethan de Groot returns at loosehead prop, while Jordie Barrett is back from injury at inside centre. The All Blacks XV includes Beauden Barrett at fullback, Will Jordan and Josh Moorby on the wings, and Damian McKenzie at fly-half.
Coach comments
Rennie said Scotland are a quality side, well coached with depth built over recent years, and that they play a similar brand of rugby. He described Murrayfield as an iconic venue and expects a special occasion to kick off their northern tour.
Match details
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:10pm local time. The test is the first of three Nations Championship matches at Murrayfield, with Australia and Japan due to visit in the coming weeks.
