Scotland change five for Calcutta Cup clash

Peter Hanson

Scotland change five for Calcutta Cup clash image

Vern Cotter has opted to freshen things up for Scotland's Calcutta Cup match against England with five changes made to the starting XV.

Number eight David Denton will make his first start of the Six Nations after recovering from a calf complaint and replaces Johnnie Beattie in the line-up.

Edinburgh team-mates Matt Scott and Dougie Fife also come in to replace the injured Alex Dunbar and Sean Lamont.

Dunbar sustained a knee injury in training on Thursday, with Scotland since confirming that the Glasgow Warriors centre will be out for the season after a scan revealed he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Elsewhere, Finn Russell comes in at fly-half in place of Peter Horne having completed a two-week ban, while lock forward Jim Hamilton takes the place of Tim Swinson.

Explaining the changes, coach Cotter told Scotland's official website: "Jim comes in and will bring his physicality and understanding of English rugby to our forward pack.

"It's been tough on Finn to sit out and it's great to have him back. He's slotted straight back in to the structure we're looking for.

"Finally, Dougie came on and played well against France and has had a couple of games with his club with a few work-ons.

"We're looking for him to bring his enthusiasm, energy and high work-rate, particularly in kick-chase and receipt."

Scotland welcome England to Murrayfield on Saturday looking for their first victory of the Six Nations.

 

Team in full: Stuart Hogg, Dougie Fife, Mark Bennett, Matt Scott, Tommy Seymour, Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw, Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, Euan Murray, Jim Hamilton, Jonny Gray, Robert Harley, Blair Cowan, David Denton

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Ryan Grant, Geoff Cross, Tim Swinson, Johnnie Beattie, Adam Ashe, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Greig Tonks

Peter Hanson