McConnell handed debut as Scotland confirm team: Finn Russell’s replacement named, Van der Merwe hits milestone
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has officially named his squad for this weekend’s Test match, handing a debut to promising Edinburgh back-row Liam McConnell while confirming a new stand-in for injured talisman Finn Russell. The fixture, which kicks off Scotland’s autumn series at Murrayfield, promises a blend of youthful enthusiasm and experienced leadership as the team prepares to face the United States.
The spotlight will be on 21-year-old McConnell, who earns his first senior cap after an impressive run of performances with Edinburgh Rugby. The former Scotland U20 captain has long been tipped for international recognition, and Townsend has now rewarded his progress with a starting spot in the back row. “Liam has shown maturity beyond his years,” Townsend said. “He’s physical, smart, and hungry to learn — qualities we value highly in this group.”
Alongside McConnell’s debut, one of the biggest talking points is the absence of Finn Russell. The influential fly-half, who has been instrumental to Scotland’s attacking structure, has been ruled out due to injury. In his place, Townsend has turned to Ben Healy, who steps into the No.10 shirt after a string of composed performances for Edinburgh. “Ben has earned his chance,” Townsend said. “He’s trained well, understands our system, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to lead.”
Meanwhile, winger Duhan van der Merwe is set to reach another career milestone — his 40th cap for Scotland. The powerhouse finisher has become one of the team’s most prolific try-scorers and remains central to Townsend’s game plan. Van der Merwe’s combination of pace and power will once again be key as Scotland aim to start their campaign with confidence.
Scotland’s lineup also features several returning players, including captain Rory Darge and hooker George Turner, who bring stability to a squad that blends emerging stars with seasoned internationals. Townsend’s selection reflects a strategy focused on building depth ahead of next year’s Six Nations Championship.
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With fresh talent like McConnell entering the fold and established figures like Van der Merwe continuing to deliver, Scotland’s clash against the USA is more than just a friendly — it’s a glimpse into the team’s evolving future. The match kicks off at 5:40 p.m. at BT Murrayfield, where fans will be eager to see whether Townsend’s mix of youth and experience can deliver an early statement of intent.
