Scotland make 10 changes for Georgia Test

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made 10 changes to the starting line-up for the upcoming encounter against Georgia to be played in Tbilisi this weekend.

Sean Maitland, Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw, Willem Nel and Hamish Watson are the only players to be retained from their last 17-14 win over France at Murrayfield Stadium.

Stuart McInally returns to captain the side with Blair Kinghorn at fullback while Nel will partner with Allan Dell while Ben Toolis and Grant Gilchrist at second row. The back-row comprises of John Barclay, Watson and number eight Matt Fagerson.

“We’re pleased to welcome Sam [Johnson] back into the side, having performed so well for us in the spring, while a number of other players also get the opportunity to build on Saturday’s performance,” said Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

“There were improvements in our back-to-back games against France, in particular in defence, game management and at scrum, as well some elements of our attack.

“All of these will be put to the test against a very good Georgian side who we expect to be extremely motivated by their passionate home support".

Following their game in Tbilisi, the two teams will once again face each other at Murrayfield on 6th October before their World Cup campaign kicks-off.

Scotland starting line-up: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Sam Johnson, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Greig Laidlaw, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 John Barclay, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Ben Toolis, 3 Willem Nel, 2 Stuart McInally (c), 1 Allan Dell

Reserves: 16 Grant Stewart, 17 Jamie Bhatti, 18 Zander Fagerson, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Josh Strauss, 21 Ali Price, 22 Adam Hastings, 23 Huw Jones