Scottish winger Darcy Graham is set to make his long-awaited return to the national team after a thirteen-month absence as he lines up for Scotland against the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in the opening autumn Test at Murrayfield this Sunday. The 26-year-old speedster last represented Scotland during the World Cup against Ireland in October 2023, and he comes back into the fold after a strong start to the season with Edinburgh, having played in five of their six matches.
The selected squad primarily comprises players from Glasgow and Edinburgh, with only one exception: Sharks hooker Dylan Richardson is included among the replacements. As this match takes place outside the international window, several prominent players, including Finn Russell, Ben White, and Blair Kinghorn, are unavailable.
In their absence, Scotland will be led by Adam Hastings at fly-half, with Ali Price taking the scrum-half position and Kyle Rowe stepping in as full-back. This match will also mark a significant milestone for Sione Tiupulotu, who has been appointed Captain and will lead the team for the first time.
Kyle Rowe, with just six international caps, is the sole player in the starting lineup with fewer than ten caps, showcasing Coach Gregor Townsend’s commitment to a lineup rich in Test experience. Notably, Glasgow stand-off Tom Jordan, the only uncapped player in the 23-man squad, may have an opportunity to earn his first cap from the bench, alongside Edinburgh prop D’Arcy Rae, who has one cap to his name.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 5:40 am Fiji Time, marking an exciting moment for both the team and Scottish rugby fans.
Overall, Graham’s return and the team’s composition reflects a blend of youth and experience, suggesting a hopeful outlook for the match and the team’s performance going forward. This opportunity may serve as a stepping stone for emerging talents as they display their skills on the international stage.
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