Stuart Hogg returns to captain the side, while Finn Russell starts at fly-half as two of Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend’s four personnel changes for the clash with Wales on Super Saturday.
Neither Scotland nor Wales are still in the running to lift the 2020 Guinness Six Nations trophy but both will be eager to finish the Championship on a high in Llanelli.
Off the back of an impressive 48-7 warm-up victory over Georgia last weekend, Townsend has opted for four alterations in total, with two of those coming in the back-line.
Fresh from a European and English Premiership double with Exeter Chiefs, skipper Hogg regains the No.15 jersey, with Blair Kinghorn sliding to the wing and Duhan van der Merwe dropping to the bench, while Russell comes in at No.10 for Adam Hastings.
In the pack, another Exeter Chief – Jonny Gray – is restored to the second row ahead of Ben Toolis, while Scarlets star Blade Thomson is selected at No.8 to play on his home club ground, Parc y Scarlets, with Matt Fagerson out injured.
Having captained the side in Hogg’s absence against Georgia, Fraser Brown starts at hooker once again, while Harlequins scrum-half Scott Steele could make his Scotland debut off the bench, where Van der Merwe and prop Oil Kebble will be looking for their second caps after last week’s debuts.
“As a group we are very much looking forward to finally completing our fixture against Wales and returning to play Guinness Six Nations rugby again,” said Townsend.
“We were highly motivated back in March, and that extra edge has come back into our training and preparations this week.
“It’s been great to bring in quality and experience to our starting line-up with players such as Stuart, Jonny and Finn who have been involved in some high-level games in recent weeks.
“We were also encouraged by Blade’s display at the weekend for Scarlets, which is a timely boost given last weekend’s injury to Matt Fagerson.
“We are expecting a physical battle against a very good side, one which we will be working hard to stay in the fight and to finish the fight in Llanelli.
“Ultimately, this game provides an opportunity for us to end this extended Championship on a positive note.”
Scotland team to play Wales at Parc y Scarlets in Round 5 of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations 15. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) – CAPTAIN – 76 caps 14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh) – 12 caps 13. Chris Harris (Gloucester) – 19 caps 12. James Lang (Harlequins) – 3 caps 11. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh) – 22 caps 10. Finn Russell (Racing 92) – 50 caps 9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) – 33 caps
1. Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh) – 8 caps 2. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) – 51 caps 3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) – 30 caps 4. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) – 13 caps 5. Jonny Gray (Exeter Chiefs) – 57 caps 6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh) – 19 caps 7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh) – 33 caps 8. Blade Thomson (Scarlets) – 5 caps
Replacements: 16. Stuart McInally (Edinburgh) – 38 caps 17. Oli Kebble (Glasgow Warriors) – 1 cap 18. Simon Berghan (Edinburgh) – 26 caps 19. Ben Toolis (Edinburgh) – 26 caps 20. Cornell du Preez (Worcester Warriors) – 8 caps 21. Scott Steele (Harlequins) – Uncapped 22. Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors) – 21 caps 23. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh) – 1 cap
