Five changes to Scotland team ahead of Wales clash in Cardiff

Blair Kinghorn, Duhan van der Merwe, Dave Cherry, Max Williamson and Matt Fagerson make up the five changes to the starting XV. Josh Bayliss and Grant Gilchrist complete seven changes to the 23, both named among the replacements.

Scotland’s front row remains anchored by Nathan McBeth and Zander Fagerson at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively, while Dave Cherry returns to the starting line-up at hooker.

The second-row combination sees Williamson starting alongside Scott Cummings, whilst Gregor Brown moves to blindside flanker. Rory Darge remains at openside, and Matt Fagerson has been handed the number eight jersey, having made an impact off the bench against England.

For the back division, Townsend has opted to keep the same half-back pairing of Ben White and Finn Russell. In midfield, captain Sione Tuipulotu will once again partner with Huw Jones, whilst last week’s Guinness Player of the Match, Kyle Steyn retains his place on the right wing.

The remaining changes to the backline see Kinghorn selected at full-back and van der Merwe starting on the left wing.

Among the replacements, Pierre Schoeman and Elliot Millar Mills provide front-row reinforcements, with George Turner listed as the replacement hooker.
Gilchrist returns to supply experienced cover in the second row, while Bayliss provides versatility across the back row. Tom Jordan, George Horne and Darcy Graham complete the matchday 23 as backline options.

Scotland team to face Wales in the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 24 February 2026, kick-off 4.40pm – live on BBC One (caps in brackets):

15. Blair Kinghorn – Toulouse (63)
14. Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors (30)
13. Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors (60)
12. Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors (35) – Captain
11. Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh Rugby (52)

10. Finn Russell – Bath Rugby (91) – Vice-captain
9. Ben White – Toulon (33)
1. Nathan McBeth – Glasgow Warriors (7)
2. Dave Cherry – Vannes (17)
3. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (78)
4. Max Williamson – Glasgow Warriors (11)
5. Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors (47)
6. Gregor Brown – Glasgow Warriors (14)
7. Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors (36) – Vice-captain
8. Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (61)

Replacements

16. George Turner – Harlequins (52)
17. Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby (46)
18. Elliot Millar Mills – Northampton Saints (13)
19. Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby (85)
20. Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby (14)
21. George Horne – Glasgow Warriors (42)
22. Tom Jordan – Bristol Bears (14)
23. Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby (52)