Scotland confirm replacement for Finn Russell with fly-half ruled out
Rugby NewsThursday, 30 October 2025 at 20:59
— he still struggles to deliver more than half a game of consistent impact.
Gregor Townsend has named his Scotland squad for this weekend’s Quilter Nations Series opener against the USA — but the hosts will be without several key stars including Finn Russell, Blair Kinghorn, and Ben White.
With the match sitting outside the international window, Townsend has been forced to shuffle his pack, handing opportunities to several fresh faces ahead of Saturday’s clash at Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kick-off 5:40pm, live on TNT Sports).
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McDowall to captain as Van der Merwe hits 50 caps
Centre Stafford McDowall will captain Scotland once again, having led the team against the New Zealand Māori and Portugal last year.
Meanwhile, winger Duhan van der Merwe will celebrate his 50th international cap, as he continues to build on his record as Scotland’s all-time leading men’s try scorer with 32 tries to date.
Van der Merwe is joined in a dangerous back three by Darcy Graham and Kyle Rowe, with McDowall linking up in midfield with Ollie Smith.
Hastings replaces Russell at fly-half
With Finn Russell unavailable, Adam Hastings steps into the No.10 jersey, partnering Jamie Dobie at scrum-half — the latter also named as vice-captain.
Debuts for McConnell and Morris
Townsend has named Edinburgh back-row Liam McConnell for his Scotland debut, starting on the blindside. Hooker Harri Morris could also make his first appearance from the bench.
In the pack, Jack Dempsey returns at No.8 for his first Scotland outing since the Guinness Six Nations, while Dylan Richardson takes the openside berth.
Vice-captain Scott Cummings partners Marshall Sykes in the second row, with Rory Sutherland, Patrick Harrison, and D’Arcy Rae forming the front row — Rae earning his first start for Scotland.
Vice-captain Scott Cummings partners Marshall Sykes in the second row, with Rory Sutherland, Patrick Harrison, and D’Arcy Rae forming the front row — Rae earning his first start for Scotland.
Bradbury back in the mix
On the bench, Magnus Bradbury is back in a Scotland 23 for the first time since 2022, alongside fellow replacements George Horne and Ross Thompson, who covers stand-off.
Scotland team to face USA
Quilter Nations Series – Saturday 1 November, 5:40pm KO (Live on TNT Sports)
Starting XV:
15. Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps
14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby) – 47
13. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) – 10
12. Stafford McDowall (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 – Captain
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) – 49
10. Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors) – 34
9. Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 – Vice-captain
15. Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps
14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby) – 47
13. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) – 10
12. Stafford McDowall (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 – Captain
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) – 49
10. Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors) – 34
9. Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 – Vice-captain
- Rory Sutherland (Glasgow Warriors) – 43
- Patrick Harrison (Edinburgh Rugby) – 3
- D’Arcy Rae (Edinburgh Rugby) – 2
- Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) – 42 – Vice-captain
- Marshall Sykes (Edinburgh Rugby) – 4
- Liam McConnell (Edinburgh Rugby) – Uncapped
- Dylan Richardson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 6
- Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) – 26
Replacements:
16. Harri Morris (Edinburgh Rugby) – Uncapped
17. Nathan McBeth (Glasgow Warriors) – 3
18. Murphy Walker (Glasgow Warriors) – 5
19. Alex Samuel (Glasgow Warriors) – 1
20. Max Williamson (Glasgow Warriors) – 7
21. Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh Rugby) – 19
22. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) – 38
23. Ross Thompson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 5
16. Harri Morris (Edinburgh Rugby) – Uncapped
17. Nathan McBeth (Glasgow Warriors) – 3
18. Murphy Walker (Glasgow Warriors) – 5
19. Alex Samuel (Glasgow Warriors) – 1
20. Max Williamson (Glasgow Warriors) – 7
21. Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh Rugby) – 19
22. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) – 38
23. Ross Thompson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 5
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2025 World XV includes one Scot and one Englishman
South Africa, fresh from winning the Rugby Championship, and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.
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1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)
The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)
Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.
3. Wilco Louw (South Africa— Tight-head Prop)
It was always destined to be a man in green, and we reckon ‘Quadzilla’ just edged out his teammate Thomas du Toit. Taniela Tupou can be electric on his day, but the key words are on his day
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)
A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.
5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)
Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)
A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)
Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)
A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.
9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)
The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)
Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.
11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)
Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.
12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)
Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.
13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)
Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)
Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.
15. Juan Cruz Mallia (Argentina)
Most metres made, third-most defenders beaten, third-most offloads, and just one aerial spill from 29 takes during the Rugby Championship — Juan Cruz Mallia was immense. As vital for Los Pumas as he is for Stade Toulousain, the Argentine fullback remains one of world rugby’s most underrated stars.
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