MX23RW : Sunday, December 6 16:41:43| >> :120:15972:15972:

Finn Russell to start for Scotland against Wales in Six Nations

Finn Russell to start for Scotland against Wales in Six Nations
© Reuters
Adam Hastings drops to the bench to make way for the fly-half, who will make his first Six Nations appearance this year.

Finn Russell will start for Scotland in their final Guinness Six Nations contest against Wales on Saturday.

Adam Hastings drops to the bench to make way for the fly-half, who will make his first Six Nations appearance this year.

Captain Stuart Hogg and second-row forward Jonny Gray return to the side in the wake of their double-winning exploits with Exeter.

Duhan Van Der Merwe drops to the bench following his try-scoring debut against Georgia, with Blair Kinghorn taking his place on the wing after vacating Hogg's full-back position.

Scarlets number eight Blade Thomson also comes in to start on his home ground in Llanelli in place of the injured Matt Fagerson, while Ben Toolis also drops to the bench.

Racing 92 stand-off Russell fell out of the equation following a disciplinary issue ahead of the Six Nations in January but has repaired his relationship with head coach Gregor Townsend and made an impact off the bench in Friday's 48-7 win over Georgia.

Townsend said: "It's been great to bring in quality and experience to our starting line-up with players such as Stuart, Jonny and Finn who have been involved in some high-level games in recent weeks.

"We were also encouraged by Blade's display at the weekend for Scarlets, which is a timely boost given last weekend's injury to Matt Fagerson."

Gregor Townsend has named his Scotland team
Gregor Townsend has named his Scotland team (Jane Barlow/PA)

Townsend, whose side beat Italy and France after narrow defeats by Ireland and England, added: "As a group we are very much looking forward to finally completing our fixture against Wales and returning to play Guinness Six Nations rugby again.

"We were highly motivated back in March, and that extra edge has come back into our training and preparations this week.

"We are expecting a physical battle against a very good side, one which we will be working hard to stay in the fight and to finish the fight in Llanelli.

"Ultimately, this game provides an opportunity for us to end this extended championship on a positive note and go into the Autumn Nations Cup with some added belief in what this group of players can achieve."

ID:420244:cQx

Click here for more stories about Finn Russell

Click here for more stories about Scotland

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones pictured in March 2019
Read Next:
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones to break appearance record against Scotland
>
Latest Sports Video

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Premier League
Scottish Premiership
La Liga
Serie A
Bundesliga
Ligue 1
Eredivisie
Primeira Liga
Turkish Super Lig
Belgian Pro League
Greek Superleague
Swiss Super League
Russian Premier League
Ukrainian Premier League
Norwegian Eliteserien
Swedish Allsvenskan
Danish Superliga
Segunda Division
Serie B
2.Bundesliga
Eerste Divisie
MLS Playoffs
Brasileiro
Copa Diego Maradona
Uruguayan Primera Division
Liga MX
AFC Champions League
J1 League
Women's Super League
Autumn Nations Cup
Gallagher Premiership
NFL
6pm
Lions
@
Bears
6pm
Bengals
@
Dolphins
6pm
Saints
@
Falcons
6pm
Raiders
@
Jets
6pm
Washington
@
Steelers
6pm
Colts
@
Texans
6pm
Browns
@
Titans
6pm
Jags
@
Vikings
9.05pm
Rams
@
Cardinals
9.05pm
Giants
@
Seahawks
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Eagles
@
Packers

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!