Finn Russell returns as one of Scotland’s vice-captains for their 2019 Guinness Six Nations showdown with Wales on Saturday.
The 26-year-old missed the Scots’ 27-10 defeat to France in Round Three as a result of a head injury, but Russell is back in the No.10 jersey to partner scrum-half Ali Price as Wales visit BT Murrayfield in the opening match of Round Four (kick-off 2.15pm) with the Doddie Weir Cup also on the line.
Head coach Gregor Townsend makes four changes to the side that took on Les Bleus, with Jonny Gray and Tommy Seymour also both set to make their 50th appearance for Scotland.
Greig Laidlaw is dropped to the bench, replaced by Price, with WP Nel back in at prop after injury, while wing Darcy Graham earns his first start for his country as the fourth change.
Russell’s return sees Peter Horne move from fly-half to inside centre in place of Sam Johnson.
With Seymour, who is handed the No.14 shirt and Gray, who is named in the second row, set for landmark appearances, Townsend paid tribute to the duo’s importance.
“Tommy has started all his games and has an impressive try-scoring record, which is fundamental element of the game for a winger,” said the Scotland chief.
“As well as his finishing ability, his excellent work-rate off-the-ball and outstanding aerial skills have been the key reasons why he’s reached a half-century of appearances for Scotland.
“Jonny is an exceptional player, who came through as a young man and, by becoming the second-youngest player to win 50 caps, shows just how well he’s played in that relatively short time.
“He has a phenomenal work-rate, is a very accurate tackler and takes real pride in helping the team prepare, as well as continually looking for ways to improve his own game.
Scotland team to face Wales at BT Murrayfield
15. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh)
14. Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors)
13. Nick Grigg (Glasgow Warriors)
12. Pete Horne (Glasgow Warriors)
11. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh)
10. Finn Russell (Racing 92)
9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors)
1. Allan Dell (Edinburgh)
2. Stuart McInally (Edinburgh) (capt)
3. Willem Nel (Edinburgh)
4. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh)
5. Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors)
6. Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh)
7. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh)
8. Josh Strauss (Sale Sharks)
Replacements:
16. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors)
17. Gordon Reid (London Irish)
18. Simon Berghan (Edinburgh)
19. Ben Toolis (Edinburgh)
20. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh)
21. Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne)
22. Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors)
23. Byron McGuigan (Sale Sharks)
