Rory Darge to captain Scotland against Italy

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has named Glasgow Warriors flanker Rory Darge as the captain for the upcoming clash against Italy at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday.

Having made his Test debut in the Six Nations last year, the 23-year-old will lead the side for the first time in what will be his eighth Test. Darge will be part of the back row that also has Luke Crosbie and Matt Fagerson.

Edinburgh lock Sam Skinner has retained his place and will be part of the second row that also has Scott Cummings while prop Rory Sutherland returns to the starting line up and Murphy Walker will win this third cap in the front row that also has George Turner.

Ben Healy will make his first start at number 10 jersey while Ali Price returns back to the starting XV as he was named at scrum-half. Darcy Graham has been named at right wing with Kyle Steyn at left wing while Warriors centre Stafford McDowall will make his debut at midfield along with Chris Harris.

Glasgow full-back Ollie Smith completes the starting XV with Cameron Henderson set to win his first cap when he comes off the bench.

Following the game against Italy, Scotland will be facing France in a home and away fixture and a game against Georgia before they kick-start their Rugby World Cup campaign against South Africa on 10th September.

Scotland XV: 15 Ollie Smith, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Stafford McDowall, 11 Kyle Steyn; 10 Ben Healy, 9 Ali Price; 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 George Turner, 3 Murphy Walker, 4 Sam Skinner, 5 Scott Cummings, 6 Luke Crosbie, 7 Rory Darge (captain), 8 Matt Fagerson.

Reserves: 16 Stuart McInally, 17 Jamie Bhatti, 18 Javan Sebastian, 19 Cameron Henderson, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Jamie Dobie, 22 Blair Kinghorn, 23 Cameron Redpath.