Scotland vs Fiji 2026: Townsend Makes 14 Changes

Gregor Townsend has ripped up his starting XV for Saturday's Nations Championship clash with Fiji at Murrayfield, making 14 changes to the side that lost 42-28 to the Springboks a week ago. Only number eight Gregor Brown survives from that defeat in the starting lineup, with Townsend taking the opportunity to rotate heavily as Scotland close out the first block of the tournament.

Stafford McDowall leads the side, stepping up to captain the team in the absence of regular skipper Sione Tuipulotu, who drops to the bench. The centre partners Ollie Smith in midfield, with Smith wearing a special commemorative jersey honouring the late Scott Hastings.

The two most prolific try-scorers in Scottish men's rugby history both start wide. Duhan van der Merwe, who crossed for a try in the win over Argentina before that Springbok defeat, lines up on the left with 35 international tries to his name. Darcy Graham, Scotland's all-time leader with 38, starts on the right. Fergus Burke gets the nod at fly-half having come off the bench in Buenos Aires, with George Horne — another replacement that day — starting at scrum-half.

In the pack, Rory Sutherland packs down at loosehead, Gregor Hiddleston is set for a first international start at hooker, and D'arcy Rae takes the tighthead berth. Jonny Gray earns his 83rd cap alongside Max Williamson in the second row. Josh Bayliss, who scored against the Springboks last weekend, starts at blindside and serves as vice-captain. Freddy Douglas gets a maiden Scotland start on the openside.

Scotland head into this fixture with a mixed record through two rounds — a 38-47 win over Argentina followed by that loss in Pretoria. Fiji, meanwhile, were hammered 8-73 by England in round one before losing 24-39 to Wales, leaving them out of form and under pressure at a tournament they need to regroup in.

Off the bench, hooker Seb Stephen is poised to become Scotland's 1240th cap if called upon. Props Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson bring senior experience, while Scott Cummings and Magnus Bradbury cover the loose forwards alongside Liam McConnell. Jamie Dobie and Tuipulotu complete the 23.

SuperSport will broadcast the match in South Africa, with kick-off at 15:10 SAST on Saturday, 18 July. Matthew Carley of the RFU takes charge as referee.