Grant Gilchrist to make 50th appearance as Scotland name team for Wales

February 10, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

Gregor Townsend has named his squad to face Wales on Saturday afternoon in Cardiff in the second round of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations, where Grant Gilchrist will make his 50th appearance for Scotland.

The Edinburgh Rugby second-row debuted for Scotland against France in 2013 and will lead the team out in Cardiff as Vice-Captain to complement his achievement.

Exactly 10 years on from his Scotland debut against Wales in Cardiff, Captain Stuart Hogg will mark the occasion with his 90^th cap for his country in the same stadium.

Exeter Chiefs’ Jonny Gray will partner Gilchrist after making his return to the Scotland line-up in last Saturday’s thrilling 20-17 victory over England to retain the Calcutta Cup.

Gray’s Exeter teammate Sam Skinner will start the match in place of Jamie Ritchie in one of five changes from last weekend’s starting line-up. Ritchie has received surgery on a hamstring injury and will be out for the rest of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations Championship.

Edinburgh Rugby’s Hamish Watson retains his place in the back row with Glasgow Warriors’ number 8 Matt Fagerson also starting, fresh from his Player of the Match performance against England.

There are three changes in the front row with Edinburgh Rugby’s Pierre Schoeman and WP Nel starting alongside hooker Stuart McInally.

Glasgow Warriors’ Ali Price and Racing 92’s Finn Russell continue their partnership at 9 and 10 respectively.

There is only one change in the back line with Glasgow Warriors’ centre Sione Tuipulotu set to make his third Scotland appearance at inside centre. He’ll play alongside Gloucester Rugby’s Chris Harris, meanwhile Worcester Warriors’ winger Duhan van der Merwe also starts. Darcy Graham will line up on the other wing at the Principality Stadium following his impressive performance against England.

Glasgow Warriors’ duo Zander Fagerson and George Turner will start the match on the bench alongside Worcester Warriors’ prop Rory Sutherland and Edinburgh Rugby’s Magnus Bradbury.

Glasgow Warriors’ flanker Rory Darge will make his debut for his country if he comes off the bench, following an impressive season so far for the Scotstoun side.