Gregor Townsend has rung the changes ahead of Scotland’s Calcutta Cup clash with England.
Townsend makes four changes to a pack outclassed by Italy in Rome in their Six Nations opener, with prop Nathan McBeth handed a first tournament start at the expense of Pierre Schoeman.
Hooker Ewan Ashman is ruled out with a neck issue, while Townsend again leaves Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe out of the matchday 23, with Darcy Graham on the bench.
There are no Edinburgh players in the starting side, but former captain Jamie Ritchie returns to the back row.
“Ewan Ashman being injured is a blow for him,” Townsend said. “He's been one of our best players over the last couple of seasons.
“And obviously it was a big decision not involving Grant [Gilchrist] this week. He has been excellent in this fixture. I can count on one hand the players who have given more in this jersey over the last 10 years, [but] he's not got an opportunity to bounce back after the defeat at the weekend.
“But the team we've selected, we feel players can make a really good impact at the start of the game. But also as we go into that final quarter, we understand that Test rugby is a 23-man game and we'll be using the bench this week because we know England are going to do that.”
Scotland have dropped to 10th in the world rankings after their defeat in Rome, and face an England side on a run of 12 consecutive wins.
The hosts have won three of the last four meetings between these two at Murrayfield, though.
“To win a game like this you have to raise your game,” Townsend admitted. “So we have. And we've raised it in other games. But this is one where we've been really proud of the performances over the years.
“Even last year I thought was arguably up there with the 2023 performance. It's the best I've seen from the team. It didn't lead to a win. But we know what we need to do and it's being as accurate as possible. Playing close to your best and being a quality team.”
Scotland XV to face England at Murrayfield (Saturday 14 February, 4.40pm GMT): 1 Nathan McBeth, 2 Dave Cherry, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Gregor Brown, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Jamie Ritchie, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Jamie Dobie, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (capt.), 13 Huw Jones, 14 Kyle Steyn; 15 Tom Jordan.
Replacements: 16 Dave Cherry, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Elliot Millar Mills, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Matt Fagerson; 21 George Horne, 22 Adam Hastings, 23 Darcy Graham.
Gregor Townsend transformed Scotland’s Calcutta Cup fortunes – now England could hasten his end
Gregor Townsend dismisses talk of stepping down after Scotland’s defeat to Italy
Townsend transformed Scotland’s Calcutta Cup fortunes – now it could hasten his end
Ireland hand Six Nations debuts to Ulster pair in new-look side to face Italy
France forced into midfield rethink for Wales clash in Six Nations
