Townsend forced to make three changes to Scotland team

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made three changes from the side that beat England as he named his selection to face Wales on Sunday.

Jamie Ritchie, Cameron Redpath and Sean Maitland are injured after the historic Calcutta Cup victory at Twickenham, and sit out the next Six Nations challenge.

Edinburgh winger Darcy Graham replaces Maitland, Harlequins centre James Lang takes Redpath’s place, while comes in for Ritchie.

Townsend said: “We have an opportunity this weekend against Wales to continue the positive start to the Guinness Six Nations we made last week against England.

“It was a very encouraging performance at Twickenham and the squad performed to a level which has to be the benchmark throughout the tournament. Wales are also coming into this game after a win and will have the same objective, so it will be a tough challenge as always.

“Both teams were involved in physical contests last weekend, and that is evidenced by the injuries Wales and we ourselves have picked up. For us, we are able to bring in three quality players in Blade, James and Darcy. They have been training well and are highly motivated to make the most of this opportunity.”

Scotland team to play Wales at Murrayfield

15 Stuart Hogg (Captain)

14 Darcy Graham
13 Chris Harris
12 James Lang
11 Duhan van der Merwe

10 Finn Russell
9 Ali Price

1 Rory Sutherland
2 George Turner
3 Zander Fagerson
4 Scott Cummings
5 Jonny Gray
6 Blade Thomson
7 Hamish Watson
8 Matt Fagerson

Substitutes

16 David Cherry
17 Oli Kebble
18 WP Nel
19 Richie Gray
20 Gary Graham
21 Scott Steele
22 Jaco van der Walt
23 Huw Jones