Head coach Vern Cotter has recalled several of his big guns ahead of Scotland’s game against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday, as his team continue its preparations for the Rugby World Cup.
Greig Laidlaw and Finn Russell are reunited at half-back, while Peter Horne is rewarded for his fine cameo in Turin with a starting spot alongside Mark Bennett in the centres; Stuart Hogg returns to the back three to partner Tim Visser and Sean Lamont.
In the pack WP Nel gets his first start on the tighthead along with Ross Ford and Alasdair Dickinson in the front row. Jonny Gray and Grant Gilchrist are the locks, while Ryan Wilson, John Barclay and Dave Denton are the back-row trio.
SCOTLAND TEAM TO PLAY ITALY
15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Mark Bennett, 12 Peter Horne, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Greig Laidlaw, 8 David Denton, 7 John Barclay, 6 Ryan Wilson, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Jonny Gray, 3 WP Nel, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements: 16 Stuart McInally, 17 Gordon Reid, 18 Jon Welsh, 19 Rob Harley, 20 Blair Cowan, 21 Henry Pyrgos, 22 Ruaridh Jackson, 23 Matt Scott.
Date: Saturday, August 29
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 15:15 local (14:15 GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
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