History beckons for Van der Merwe as Scotland face Uruguay

PREVIEW: Duhan van der Merwe will have the chance to become Scotland’s all-time record try-scorer on Saturday after being named in the starting XV for the match againt Uruguay.

Van der Merwe is one of 13 changes for the Scotts’ fourth and final game of their Americas tour.

The Edinburgh wing moved level with Stuart Hogg on 27 international tries in the victory over USA in Washington earlier this month and, after being rested against Chile last weekend, he returns in Montevideo to form part of a back three also featuring clubmate Harry Paterson and Kyle Rowe.

Ben Healy and Rowe, the Glasgow back who switches from fullback to the wing, are the only two players to retain their places in the side that started the 52-11 win in Santiago.

Gregor Townsend’s 23 is made up entirely of Scottish-based players as the match takes place out of the official Test window.

Rory Darge returns to captain the side and will be part of a back row also comprising Luke Crosbie and Matt Fagerson at No.8.

Centre Huw Jones, who will win his 50th cap, and Ewan Ashman will share vice-captain duties, with Max Williamson set to win his fourth cap when he lines up in the second row alongside Glasgow teammate Scott Cummings.

The bench includes the experienced quartet of Pierre Schoeman, Jamie Ritchie, Adam Hastings and Kyle Steyn.

The Scots are bidding to complete their tour with a clean sweep of victories after wide-margin wins over Canada, USA and Chile.

Teams: 

Uruguay: TBC

Scotland: 15 Harry Paterson, 14 Kyle Rowe, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Stafford McDowall, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Ben Healy, 9 George Horne, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge (captain), 6 Luke Crosbie, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Max Williamson, 3 Javan Sebastian, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Rory Sutherland
Replacements: 16 Patrick Harrison, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Murphy Walker, 19 Gregor Brown, 20 Jamie Ritchie, 21 Jamie Dobie, 22 Adam Hastings, 23 Kyle Steyn

Date: Saturday, July 27
Venue: Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo
Kick-off: 17.00 (20.00 UK time, 19.00 GMT)
Referee: Damian Schneider (Uruguay)
Assistant Referees: Mathieu Raynal (France), Luc Ramos (France)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)