Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made several headline-grabbing decisions ahead of the Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome, leaving out some of the nation’s biggest attacking stars. Record try-scorers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham, along with British and Irish Lions full-back Blair Kinghorn, have all been omitted from the starting XV, with two of them missing the matchday squad entirely.
Instead, Townsend has selected a reshaped back three, opting for Tom Jordan of Bristol Bears at full-back, supported by Glasgow Warriors wings Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie. The decision signals a clear emphasis on current form, physical resilience, and mental toughness rather than reputation.
Saturday’s match in Rome will be particularly significant for Jamie Dobie, who earns his first Six Nations start. Traditionally a scrum-half, Dobie has impressed consistently on the wing for Glasgow this season, forcing Townsend’s hand with his performances. His inclusion reflects Scotland’s growing willingness to reward versatility and adaptability.
While Graham has been named among the replacements, van der Merwe and Kinghorn are absent from the 23 altogether. Adam Hastings and George Horne provide backline cover from the bench, further underlining Townsend’s focus on impact players who can change the tempo late in the game.
Despite the surprise omissions of three players who toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2025, the rest of Scotland’s selection follows a familiar pattern.
Experience and Stability Up Front
In the engine room, veteran lock Grant Gilchrist, now 35, has retained his place after fending off competition from younger challengers Gregor Brown and Max Williamson. He partners Scott Cummings, who returns to Six Nations action after missing last year’s tournament due to injury.
The back row is entirely Glasgow-based, with Matt Fagerson, vice-captain Rory Darge, and Jack Dempsey forming a well-balanced trio. Dempsey has been cleared to play after recovering from a foot injury, providing Scotland with much-needed physicality and ball-carrying power.
Brown’s inclusion on the bench adds flexibility, as he can operate both at lock and in the back row. Glasgow’s influence is unmistakable, with nine Warriors in the starting line-up and another five among the replacements.
At hooker, Ewan Ashman, Scotland’s most prolific try-scoring forward, gets the nod ahead of George Turner. Ashman will pack down between experienced Lions props Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson, giving Scotland a solid and battle-tested front row.
Familiar Faces in Key Positions
At half-back, Ben White continues his partnership with vice-captain Finn Russell, despite strong competition from the in-form George Horne. Russell’s creativity and leadership remain central to Scotland’s attacking strategy.
In midfield, captain Sione Tuipulotu teams up once again with Huw Jones, marking their 18th Test appearance together. Their understanding and defensive solidity provide continuity in a backline that otherwise features significant changes.
Scotland arrive in Rome with mixed recent memories against Italy. They opened the 2025 Six Nations with a convincing 31-19 bonus-point win over the Azzurri at Murrayfield but suffered a narrow and painful 31-29 defeat in Rome last March — a result that still lingers.
Squad Rotation and Tournament Demands
With a demanding schedule of five matches in six weeks, Townsend is expected to rotate his squad more than ever. Injuries, fatigue, and form will all play a role, and several established internationals are either running out for Scotland A or sitting out this opening weekend entirely.
The bench, however, offers plenty of impact. George Horne has enjoyed an outstanding season and could inject pace and urgency if Scotland need a spark. Darcy Graham, if he finds top form, brings unpredictability and attacking flair, while Adam Hastings adds experience and tactical control.
Italy’s Challenge
Italy, meanwhile, have named a competitive side led by Michele Lamaro, blending youth and experience across the park. With players drawn largely from Benetton, Zebre, and a handful of overseas clubs, the Azzurri will aim to repeat last year’s home success against Scotland.
Their backline includes exciting talents such as Paolo Garbisi, Juan Ignacio Brex, and Ange Capuozzo-inspired runners, while the forward pack is built around work rate and physical commitment.
Tactical Thinking Over Star Power
BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer Tom English believes the selection should not come as a shock. While Kinghorn has long been Scotland’s first-choice full-back, his defensive lapses under pressure have been exposed at times. The choice of Jordan, though playing out of position, reflects a desire for calm decision-making and mental resilience.
Similarly, Graham and van der Merwe have struggled to shine amid Edinburgh’s inconsistent form. By contrast, Steyn and Dobie have thrived in Glasgow’s high-intensity environment, showing leadership and composure when it matters most.
Form, rather than reputation, has dictated selection.
The depth in the second row and back row also offers Scotland powerful options from the bench, particularly Max Williamson, whose physical presence could be decisive late on after missing last year’s tournament through injury.
On paper, Scotland look well-equipped, with balance, experience, and impact options across the squad.
Now, as English suggests, comes the true test — turning promise into performance on the field.
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