Finn Russell on bench as Scotland name team to play Georgia

Scotland have resisted the temptation to throw Finn Russell straight into Friday’s match with Georgia.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend oversees a training session at Oriam.

The stand-off, who has not played for the national side for a year, will start on the bench.

Adam Hastings retains the No 10 jersey for the Test match at BT Murrayfield.

Russell fell out with Scotland coach Gregor Townsend before the Six Nations after “a breach of team protocol” around drinking but the pair have since made their peace.

Russell played for Racing 92 in the Heineken Champions Cup final last weekend.

Townsend has handed a debut to Edinburgh winger Duhan van der Merwe who became Scottish qualified this year.

Fellow uncapped South African Oli Kebble is on the bench.

In the absence of Stuart Hogg, the team will be captained by Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown for the first time.

Hogg is with his club side Exeter, preparing for Saturday’s English Premiership final with Wasps.

Scrum-half Ali Price and flanker Jamie Ritchie are named as Scotland vice-captains.

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