Top winger Darcy Graham is set to make his long-awaited return to the Scotland national rugby team after a 13-month hiatus. He has been named in a seasoned squad that will compete against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians in the opening autumn Test at Murrayfield this Sunday.
Graham has not worn the national jersey since a World Cup match against Ireland in Paris in October 2023. However, he has shown impressive form at the club level, featuring in five of Edinburgh’s six matches this season, which has earned him a starting spot for the upcoming match.
The squad is largely composed of Glasgow and Edinburgh players, with the exception of Sharks hooker Dylan Richardson, who is included among the substitutes. This selection aligns with the timing of the match falling outside the international window, which means other key players such as Bath’s Finn Russell, Toulon’s Ben White, and Toulouse’s Blair Kinghorn are unavailable.
In their absence, Adam Hastings will take the role of fly-half, with Ali Price stepping in as scrum-half and Kyle Rowe playing full-back. Notably, Sione Tiupulotu, recently appointed as Captain, will lead the team for the first time. Among the starting lineup, Rowe is the only player with fewer than 10 caps, while the rest of the team is rich in international experience.
Tom Jordan, the only uncapped player in the 23-man squad, is poised to make his debut off the bench, and Edinburgh prop D’Arcy Rae, who has one cap to his credit, is also included among the substitutes. The match is set to kick off at 5:40 AM Fiji Time.
This match is not just an opportunity for Graham to showcase his skills but also for the entire team to build momentum and cohesion ahead of future challenges. With the blend of experience and fresh talent, Scotland fans can look forward to an exciting contest.
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