"Full Strength Side" - Scotland Team Named for Georgia Clash in Summer Nations Series - Ruck
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“Full Strength Side” – Scotland Team Named for Georgia Clash in Summer Nations Series

23 August 2023
Tom Sansom

Scotland aim to finish the 2023 Summer Nations Series with a statement this weekend, as Gregor Townsend has named a full strength side to take on Georgia. The Scotland Head Coach has pulled no punches in his selections, with some fans querying the decision to risk key players so close to the Rugby World Cup.

Gregor Townsend, Head Coach of Scotland during the Scotland Captains Run ahead of the Guinness Six Nations at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Friday 3rd February 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

Jamie Ritchie has been named as captain, and leads out a team that features six changes from the side that narrowly lost to France 30-27 a fortnight ago. Ritchie will start on the blindside flank in an unchanged back row, with Rory Darge on the openside and Jack Dempsey at number 8.

Grant Gilchrist is given the mantle of vice-captain, and he packs down the locks with Sam Skinner. They support an all-new front row from last week, with Jamie Bhatti and WP Nel at prop, alongside Dave Cherry at hooker.

Ben White returns at scrum-half alongside co-vice-captain Finn Russell, who leads the line at fly half. Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones resume their tried and tested centre partnership, with arguably the most on-form winger in the world Darcy Graham returning to action. Graham complete a back three alongside fellow Duhan van der Merwe and Ollie Smith at full back.

SCOTLAND TEAM TO FACE GEORGIA – 2023 SUMMER NATIONS SERIES

Back Three

Duhan van der Merwe of Scotland slips the tackle from Maro Itoje of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship, 127th Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on January 6 2021. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

15. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) 5 caps

14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby) 35 caps

11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 30 caps

Centres

13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 38 caps

12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 18 caps


Halfbacks

10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby) – Vice-Captain – 71 caps

9. Ben White (Toulon) 15 caps

Front Row

1. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 31 caps

2. Dave Cherry (Edinburgh Rugby) 9 caps

3. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 55 caps

Second Row

4. Sam Skinner (Edinburgh Rugby) 27 caps

5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – Vice-captain – 64 caps

Back Row

6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain – 42 caps

7. Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) 10 caps

8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps

Replacements

16. Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby) 8 caps
17. Rory Sutherland (unattached) 25 caps
18. Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh Rugby) 5 caps
19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 28 caps
20. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 35 caps
21. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 22 caps
22. Ben Healy (Edinburgh Rugby) 2 caps
23. Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby) 43 caps