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Bradbury returns for England encounter

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Magnus Bradbury is back for Scotland’s Calcutta Cup clash with England as the only change made by Gregor Townsend.

Magnus Bradbury is back for Scotland’s Calcutta Cup clash with England as the only change made by Gregor Townsend.

The Edinburgh back-rower replaces club colleague Nick Haining at No.8 for Saturday’s encounter at BT Murrayfield where both teams will be looking to secure a first win of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations.

Bradbury missed last weekend’s 19-12 defeat in Ireland because of a thigh strain but is now fit to take his place, with Haining dropping to the bench.

The only other change sees Simon Berghan return to the bench in place of WP Nel.

Scotland had their chances against Ireland, but could not get over the try-line, and Townsend knows they need to take those opportunities if they are to see off England and retain the Calcutta Cup for a third straight year.

He said: “We were proud of parts of our performance in Dublin at a very difficult venue. The challenge for the squad is to replicate that level and take our chances when they come, in order to win tight games.

“We were disappointed not to beat Ireland but the opportunity to face England, against whom we are bidding to retain the Calcutta Cup, is one that excites players, coaches and supporters alike.”

Scotland team to face England

15. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) (c) 14. Sean Maitland (Saracens) 13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 12. Sam Johnson (Glasgow Warriors) 11. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh) 10. Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors) 9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors)

1. Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh) 2. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 4. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 5. Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh) 7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh) 8. Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh)

Replacements:

16. Stuart McInally (Edinburgh) 17. Allan Dell (London Irish) 18. Simon Berghan (Edinburgh) 19. Ben Toolis (Edinburgh) 20. Nick Haining (Edinburgh) 21. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 22. Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints) 23. Chris Harris (Gloucester)