Scotland name John Barclay as captain for Wales clash
Vern Cotter has made five changes to the line-up
©PA
Scotland have named John Barclay as the skipper for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Wales at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The decision comes after regular skipper Greig Laidlaw has been ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury and has been replaced at scrum-half by Ali Price.
Sean Maitland, who hasn't recovered from a rib injury makes way for Tim Visser on the wing while Gordon Reid swaps with Allan Dell. Barclay will team up with John Hardie and Ryan Wilson in the back-row as they replace Hamish Watson and injured Josh Strauss respectively.
Cotter admitted that Laidlaw's experience will be missed in the game against Wales but is confident of Barclay's leadership abilities.
"John has played a vital role in our leadership group and has led by example throughout this and previous campaigns," said Cotter.
"It was disappointing to lose Greig Laidlaw. However, we continue to develop a system of shared leadership in this squad, which has supported the transition. It'll be a proud moment for John and one which he thoroughly deserves."
Scotland team to face Wales:
Stuart Hogg, Tim Visser, Huw Jones, Alex Dunbar, Tommy Seymour, Finn Russell, Alistair Price; Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, John Barclay, John Hardie, Ryan Wilson.
Replacements: Allan Dell, Ross Ford, Simon Berghan, Tim Swinson, Hamish Watson, Henry Pyrgos, Duncan Weir, Mark Bennett.
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