Rory Darge Named Captain as Scotland Prepares for Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Test Against Italy
Rory Darge has been announced as the captain of Scotland’s rugby team for the first time as they gear up for a crucial warm-up test against Italy in preparation for the Rugby World Cup. The highly-anticipated match is scheduled to take place at Murrayfield on Saturday and marks the beginning of a series of four warm-up matches for the Scottish squad.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Coach Gregor Townsend has taken the opportunity to introduce some fresh talent into the mix. Two new caps have made it into the matchday squad, with Stafford McDowall set to start at centre and Cameron Henderson positioned on the bench. This experimental selection is a significant departure from the usual lineup, with regular captain Jamie Ritchie, Finn Russell, and Duhan van der Merwe all absent.
In another notable change, Ollie Smith will take over the fullback position, a role previously held by recently retired Stuart Hogg. The inclusion of McDowall in the starting lineup forms a new center pairing with Chris Harris, while Darcy Graham returns on the wing after missing out on the Six Nations due to injury. Ben Healy, who made his debut for Scotland earlier this year, will start at flyhalf alongside Ali Price at scrumhalf.
These warm-up tests will act as vital preparation for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, with Scotland set to face formidable opponents in their Pool B matches. In addition to Italy, Scotland will also go head-to-head against France and Georgia before the tournament kicks off. Coach Townsend has already indicated that there will be changes in the lineup for the second warm-up game, but for now, the selected team is believed to be the best fit for the upcoming clash against Italy.
The significance of this match extends beyond the warm-up test itself – it presents an opportunity for Darge to establish himself as a leader in his new role as captain of Scotland. The young captain, who previously captained Scotland’s under-20 team, will be eager to prove his worth on the pitch and inspire his teammates to victory.
With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, Scotland’s eyes are firmly set on their Pool B matches. The team will face tough competitors such as holders South Africa, Tonga, Romania, and Ireland. The warm-up tests will serve as valuable opportunities for the Scottish squad to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of the prestigious global event.
As the anticipation builds, fans can look forward to an exciting display of skill, determination, and teamwork from Scotland as they prepare to take on the world’s best at the Rugby World Cup.
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