Scotland’s Rugby Squad Gears Up for Wales Clash After Historic Win Over England

Following a stunning 31-20 victory over England at Murrayfield, securing the Calcutta Cup and a top spot in the Six Nations standings, Scotland’s national rugby team is preparing for their next challenge: a match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, February 21st.

Townsend Announces Five Changes to Starting Line-Up

Head coach Gregor Townsend has announced five changes to the starting line-up that triumphed over England. British & Irish Lions backs Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe return for their first appearances of the 2026 championship. Hooker Dave Cherry, second row Max Williamson, and number 8 Matt Fagerson are too promoted to the starting XV.

Key Player Positions

• Full-back: Blair Kinghorn
• Wing: Duhan van der Merwe
• Wing: Kyle Steyn
• Centres: Huw Jones and captain Sione Tuipulotu
• Fly-half: Finn Russell (vice-captain)
• Scrum-half: Ben White

Forward Pack Adjustments

The forward pack sees changes with Nathan McBeth, Dave Cherry, and Zander Fagerson forming the front row. Max Williamson partners Scott Cummings in the second row, while Gregor Brown, Rory Darge, and Matt Fagerson complete the back row.

Replacements Ready for Action

Townsend has opted for a 5-3 split on the bench, with George Turner, Pierre Schoeman, Elliot Millar Mills, Grant Gilchrist, and Josh Bayliss providing forward cover. George Horne, Tom Jordan, and Darcy Graham are the substitute backs.

Match Details

Wales v Scotland will kick off at 4:40 PM GMT on Saturday, February 21st, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Play in Ireland.

Scotland’s Starting XV vs. Wales

1. Nathan McBeth
2. Dave Cherry
3. Zander Fagerson
4. Max Williamson
5. Scott Cummings
6. Gregor Brown
7. Rory Darge (vice-captain)
8. Matt Fagerson
9. Ben White
10. Finn Russell (vice-captain)
11. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu (captain)
13. Duhan van der Merwe
14. Kyle Steyn
15. Blair Kinghorn

Replacements

1. George Turner
2. Pierre Schoeman
3. Elliot Millar Mills
4. Grant Gilchrist
5. Josh Bayliss
6. George Horne
7. Tom Jordan
8. Darcy Graham

Recent Scotland Six Nations Line-Ups

Here’s a look at Scotland’s starting XVs from their previous matches in the 2026 Six Nations:

Round 1: vs Italy

15. Blair Kinghorn, 14. Darcy Graham, 13. Huw Jones, 12. Stafford McDowall, 11. Duhan van der Merwe, 10. Finn Russell, 9. Ben White, 1. Pierre Schoeman, 2. Dave Cherry, 3. Zander Fagerson, 4. Jonny Gray, 5. Grant Gilchrist, 6. Jamie Ritchie, 7. Rory Darge, 8. Matt Fagerson

Round 2: vs England

15. Blair Kinghorn, 14. Kyle Rowe, 13. Huw Jones, 12. Tom Jordan, 11. Duhan van der Merwe, 10. Finn Russell, 9. Ben White, 1. Pierre Schoeman, 2. Dave Cherry, 3. Zander Fagerson, 4. Jonny Gray, 5. Grant Gilchrist, 6. Jamie Ritchie, 7. Rory Darge, 8. Jack Dempsey