Scotland name team to play Italy: Duncan Weir is one of four changes

Duncan Weir will make his first start for Scotland in over four years when Gregor Townsend’s side open their Autumn Nations Cup campaign against Italy on Saturday.
Duncan Weir enjoyed a fine season with Worcester Warriors. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesDuncan Weir enjoyed a fine season with Worcester Warriors. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Duncan Weir enjoyed a fine season with Worcester Warriors. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Weir has been picked at stand-off for the match in Florence after first and second-choice fly-halves Finn Russell and Adam Hastings were injured in last month’s win over Wales.

The inclusion of the Worcester player is one of four changes to Townsend’s side.

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Glasgow’s Sam Johnson comes in at inside centre in place of James Lang who is named among the replacements.

Edinburgh winger Duhan van der Merwe returns to the starting XV, with Blair Kinghorn dropping to the bench.

The one change in the pack sees Stuart McInally picked at hooker in place of the injured Fraser Brown. George Turner is the replacement hooker.

Exeter Chiefs pair Sam Skinner and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne are also among the substitutes.

Scotland team to play Italy at Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Saturday, 12:45pm GMT

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

15. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs; captain)

14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh)

13. Chris Harris (Gloucester)

12. Sam Johnson (Glasgow Warriors)

11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh)

10. Duncan Weir (Worcester Warriors)

9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors)

1. Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh)

2. Stuart McInally (Edinburgh)

3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors)

4. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors)

5. Jonny Gray (Exeter Chiefs)

6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh)

7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh)

8. Blade Thomson (Scarlets)

Substitutes

16. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors)

17. Oli Kebble (Glasgow Warriors)

18. WP Nel (Edinburgh)

19. Sam Skinner (Exeter Chiefs)

20. Nick Haining (Edinburgh)

21. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (Exeter Chiefs)

22. James Lang (Harlequins)

23. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh)

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