Darcy Graham, a standout winger, is set to return to the Scotland national team for the first time in over a year as he’s named in the lineup for the opening autumn Test against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians at Murrayfield this Sunday. The last time Graham donned the Scotland jersey was during the World Cup match against Ireland in October 2023. He’s been in strong form for Edinburgh, participating in five of their six matches this season.
The squad selected predominantly features players from Glasgow and Edinburgh, as the match occurs outside the international window. Consequently, notable absentees include Bath’s Finn Russell, Toulon’s Ben White, and Toulouse’s Blair Kinghorn. Taking on the key playmaker roles, Adam Hastings will start at fly-half, with Ali Price at scrum-half, and Kyle Rowe taking the position of full-back.
Sione Tiupulotu, appointed as team captain, will lead the side for the first time, emphasizing a familiar and experienced lineup. Rowe, who is making his seventh international appearance, is notably the only player starting with fewer than ten caps. Coach Gregor Townsend’s choice reflects a blend of seasoned players with a mix of emerging talent, as Tom Jordan is the sole uncapped player in the matchday squad, poised to make his debut from the bench. Edinburgh’s D’Arcy Rae, having one cap, will also be available among the substitutes.
The match against Fiji is scheduled to kick off at 5.40 am Fiji Time, and the return of key players like Graham may bolster Scotland’s performance and provide a promising opportunity for development within the squad.
Overall, the match represents not only a chance for the team to showcase its depth but also provides an exciting opportunity for players to step into more significant roles, potentially laying a solid foundation for future competitions.
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