Darcy Graham is set to make his much-anticipated return to the Scotland rugby team after a 13-month hiatus as he has been included in a seasoned squad to take on the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in the opening autumn Test match at Murrayfield this Sunday.
The dynamic winger last played for Scotland during the World Cup match against Ireland in October 2023. However, after putting in strong performances for Edinburgh, where he has featured in five of their six matches this season, he is ready to rejoin the national ranks.
The selected 23-player squad predominantly comprises players from Glasgow and Edinburgh, with the exception of Sharks hooker Dylan Richardson, who is among the substitutes. Notably, key figures such as Finn Russell, Ben White, and Blair Kinghorn are unavailable for this match, as it occurs outside the international window.
In their absence, Adam Hastings will don the No. 10 jersey, Ali Price will take the scrum-half position, and Kyle Rowe will play full-back. Sione Tiupulotu will lead the team as captain for the first time, showcasing leadership potential in the match.
Rowe, making his seventh international appearance, stands out as the only player in the starting lineup with fewer than 10 caps, as Coach Gregor Townsend puts forth a line-up rich in Test experience. Tom Jordan from Glasgow is the sole uncapped player on the bench and may make his debut, while Edinburgh’s D’Arcy Rae, already having one cap, is also on the substitutes list.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5:40 am Fiji Time, promising an exciting matchup as Scotland seeks to mark the autumn season with a strong performance.
This return of Graham and the experienced team not only highlights the depth and talent within Scottish rugby but also brings hope for a successful autumn campaign. Fans will be eager to see how the combination of seasoned players and emerging talent performs on the field.
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