Fagerson returns as Scotland make major changes for Tonga Test

Scotland prop Zander Fagerson will return to the starting lineup this Sunday at Murrayfield for their Test against Tonga following a seven-month layoff due to calf and knee injuries.

The 29-year-old will add experience to a significantly altered squad.

Coach Gregor Townsend has made 14 changes to the side that were defeated by Argentina last weekend.

Fagerson is one of only a few senior starters retained. Notably, Finn Russell and Blair Kinghorn are omitted, and the back row has been reshaped with younger players. George Turner will win his 50th cap at hooker, while Alex Samuel and Max Williamson start in the second row.

Scotland: 15 Tom Jordan, 14 Kyle Rowe, 13 Ollie Smith, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Ben White, 8 Magnus Bradbury, 7 Jamie Ritchie, 6 Andy Onyeama-Christie, 5 Max Williamson, 4 Alex Samuel, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Rory Sutherland

Reserves: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Marshall Sykes, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 George Horne, 22 Stafford McDowall, 23 Kyle Steyn