Van der Merwe vs USA: 50th Try Imminent?

by Liam O'Connor Sports Editor
written by Liam O'Connor Sports Editor

McDowall too Lead Scotland Against USA in Quilter Nations series, McConnell Earns Debut

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Scotland prepares to face the USA in the Quilter Nations Series at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday, November 1, with a squad boasting both seasoned veterans adn exciting new talent. Head coach Gregor Townsend has named Stafford McDowall as captain for the match, continuing his leadership role established during the summer encounter with New Zealand Māori and the November fixture against Portugal.

Townsend Names Debutants and vice-Captains

In selecting his first matchday 23 of the season, Townsend has handed a debut to Edinburgh rugby back-row forward Liam McConnell. Joining him in anticipation of a first Scotland outing is clubmate Harri Morris, a hooker who will provide impact from the bench. Townsend has also designated Jamie Dobie and Scott Cummings as vice-captains, recognizing their leadership qualities within the squad.

Van der Merwe Headlines Backline, Hastings Returns at Half-Back

The Scottish backline will be spearheaded by Duhan van der Merwe, the nation’s record men’s try scorer with 32 international tries to his name. He will be joined in the back three by fellow wing Darcy Graham and full-back Kyle Rowe. Captain McDowall will partner with Ollie Smith in the centers, while Jamie Dobie and Adam Hastings form a dynamic half-back partnership.

Pack Features mix of Experience and New Faces

The forward pack sees McConnell starting at blindside flanker,alongside Dylan Richardson on the openside and jack Dempsey at No. 8, marking Dempsey’s first appearance since the Guinness Six Nations. The second row will be anchored by Scott Cummings and Marshall Sykes, while the front row features rory Sutherland at loosehead prop, Patrick Harrison at hooker, and D’Arcy Rae, who earns his first Scotland start at tighthead prop.

Edinburgh Rugby Well represented on Bench

    1. Patrick Harrison – Edinburgh Rugby (2)
    1. Jamie Ritchie – Edinburgh Rugby (34)
    1. Ben Healy – Edinburgh Rugby (3)
    1. Cameron Henderson – Edinburgh Rugby (4)
    1. Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby (6)
    1. Javan Sebastian – Edinburgh Rugby (1)
    1. Charlie Savala – Glasgow Warriors (1)
    1. Ross McKay – Glasgow Warriors (1)
    1. Jack McLean – glasgow Warriors (1)
    1. lewis Hall – Glasgow Warriors (1)
    1. Ryan Wilson – Glasgow Warriors (50)
    1. Sione vailanu – Glasgow Warriors (1)
    1. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (66)
    1. george Turner – Glasgow Warriors (16)
    1. Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (23)
    1. Harri Morris – Edinburgh Rugby (uncapped)
    1. Nathan McBeth – Glasgow Warriors (3)
    1. Murphy Walker – Glasgow Warriors (5)
    1. Alex Samuel – Glasgow Warriors (1)
    1. Max Williamson – Glasgow Warriors (7)
    1. Magnus Bradbury – Edinburgh Rugby (19)
    1. George Horne – Glasgow Warriors (38)
    1. Ross Thompson – Edinburgh Rugby (5)

This Scotland squad represents a compelling blend of experience and emerging talent, poised to deliver a strong performance against the USA at Murrayfield.

Award-winning sportswriter, covered five Olympics and three World Cups. Focus on human stories behind the scores.

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