Rugby World Cup 2019: Gregor Townsend makes five changes to Scotland team for clash with Samoa
It is a new-look back row for Scotland, while Darcy Graham and Chris Harris come in in the backs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Scotland have made five changes to their team for their Rugby World Cup 2019 clash with Samoa.
Gregor Townsend has named a new-look back row, with Magnus Bradbury straight into the starting lineup after replacing the injured Hamish Watson in the squad.
Jamie Ritchie and Blade Thomson also come in at the back of the scrum with Scotland looking to rebound after a disappointing opening defeat to Ireland.
“We had worked hard in our build-up this tournament to deliver our best rugby but we were well below this level in our opening game,” Townsend said.
“It’s been a long week building towards a game where we intend to put a lot of things right.
“The reality is we now have to win our next three games to make it out of our pool, so the knockout stages for us begin this Monday night.
“I firmly believe this group are ready to take on that challenge.”
The loss of Watson sees Ritchie, who impressed during the Six Nations, come on to the openside, with Bradbury replacing John Barclay at six.
Ryan Wilson also misses out, with the versatile Thomson getting the nod at number eight.
Scotland’s two other changes come in the backs.
Chris Harris replaces Duncan Taylor at outside centre, while the exciting Darcy Graham is brought in on the right wing. Taylor wears the 23 jersey on the bench, while Tommy Seymour drops out of the squad entirely.
Greig Laidlaw retains his place at scrum-half with Ali Price also out for the tournament. George Horne comes on to the bench.
Samoa beat Russia in their opening Pool A match, but will be without centre Rey Lee-Lo and hooker Motu Matu’u for the remainder of the group stages.
The pair had three-match bans levied upon them after being cited for high tackles in that Russia game.
Wing Belgium Tuatagaloa comes in to the side with Alapati Leiua shifting in to the centres in the absence of Lee-Lo.
Captain Jack Lam returns at number eight.
Townsend is not overlooking the Pacific Islanders’ threat.
“Samoa are a team capable of scoring points from anywhere on the field.
“They play an ambitious brand of rugby and their team is full of skillful and powerful players,”
Scotland team to face Samoa
15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Darcy Graham, 13-Chris Harris, 12-Sam Johnson, 11-Sean Maitland, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Greig Laidlaw, 8-Blade Thomson, 7-Jamie Ritchie, 6-Magnus Bradbury, 5-Jonny Gray, 4-Grant Gilchrist, 3-Willem Nel, 2-Stuart McInally (captain), 1-Allan Dell
Replacements: 16-Fraser Brown, 17-Gordon Reid, 18-Zander Fagerson, 19-Scott Cummings, 20-Ryan Wilson, 21-George Horne, 22-Adam Hastings, 23-Duncan Taylor
Samoa team to face Scotland
15-Tim Nanai-Williams, 14-Belgium Tuatagaloa, 13-Alapati Leiua, 12-Henry Taefu, 11-Ed Fidow, 10-Tusi Pisi, 9-Melani Matavao, 8-Jack Lam (captain), 7-TJ Ioane, 6-Chris Vui, 5-Kane Le’aupepe, 4-Teofilo Paulo, 3-Michael Alaalatoa, 2-Ray Niuia, 1-Logovii Mulipola
Replacements: 16-Seilala Lam, 17-Paul Alo-Emile, 18-Jordan Lay, 19-Piula Faasalele, 20-Josh Tyrell, 21-Pele Cowley, 22-Ulupano Seuteni, 23-Kieron Fonotia
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments