Darcy Graham, a leading winger for Scotland, is set to make his long-awaited return to the national team after a 13-month absence. He will feature in an experienced lineup to take on the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in the opening autumn Test at Murrayfield this Sunday. Graham’s last appearance for Scotland was during the World Cup loss to Ireland in October 2023, but he has remained active by participating in five of Edinburgh’s six matches this season.
The squad, which includes 22 players from Glasgow and Edinburgh, is affected by the absence of international stars such as Finn Russell, Ben White, and Blair Kinghorn due to the current scheduling outside the international window. As a result, Adam Hastings will step in as starting fly-half, with Ali Price taking the scrum-half position and Kyle Rowe at full-back.
Sione Tiupulotu, the new team captain, will lead the side for the first time. Rowe, with only six caps to his name, is the sole player in the starting 15 with fewer than ten international appearances. Head coach Gregor Townsend has rolled out a team rich in Test experience, aiming to build cohesion despite the absence of some regulars. Glasgow’s Tom Jordan is the only uncapped player named on the bench, which also includes Edinburgh’s D’Arcy Rae, who has one cap.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:40 AM Fiji Time, marking an exciting opportunity for Scotland to showcase their squad’s depth and resilience.
This match not only represents a comeback for Graham but also highlights the potential for developing new talent within the team as they face Fiji. Fans can look forward to a spirited encounter that promises to be both competitive and entertaining, setting a positive tone for the autumn series.
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