Scotland v USA - Teams and Prediction

PREVIEW: Scotland will aim for a solid start to their Nations Series campaign, starting against the USA at Murrayfield.

The match holds a significant milestone for South African-born Duhan van der Merwe, who will earn his 50th cap for his adopted nation.

Van der Merwe made his Scotland debut in 2020 against Georgia and racked up 32 tries in his 49 Tests thus far.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend paid tribute to the explosive winger ahead of his Test milestone.

“He’s created so many special moments,” Townsend said of the 30-year-old.

“His debut was just five years ago, so to get 50 caps within that time shows how important he’s been.

“I think when he first came in [as head coach], he was a great ball carrier and needed to develop his defence, which he has done.

“And last season, he showed his ability to put others into space. So his game is growing.

“It’s great that we’ve had him for the last five years, and there’s a lot more to come.”

With the Test falling outside of the international window, Townsend could only select players from United Rugby Championship outfits Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.

Centre Stafford McDowall will lead Scotland for the third time, whilst there are also debuts for flanker Liam McConnell, who will start, and Harri Morris playing off the bench.

It will also be the first time the USA will face Scotland in their own backyard, despite having faced off on seven previous occasions.

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USA head coach Scott Lawrence selected two South African-born players in scrumhalf Ruben de Haas and double Varsity Cup winner Marno Redelinghuys.

Lawrence spoke about his side’s preparation ahead of this clash and their travelling experience to Edinburgh.

“It’s been good travels so far, we were able to align and get a training session in Washington, DC, before the flight, thanks to the support of Mount Saint Mary’s and Old Glory.

“So far, the team has adapted well to the travel and has good clarity here in Edinburgh.”

He added: “This game is another opportunity to elevate our standard of play, work on playing faster and more physically as we build to where we want to be at test match level.”

Players to watch

For Scotland: All eyes will be on Duhan van der Merwe in his milestone match, with the winger’s ability to strike from anywhere at any time. The halfback combination of Jamie Dobie and Adam Hastings will also be an interesting watch in the absence of Finn Russell at No.10. Flanker Dylan Richardson’s ability to carry strongly and be a menace at the breakdown will be key in securing turnover and quick ball, which Scotland loves to attack from.

For the USA: Ruben de Haas will be instrumental in directing his team on attack and tactically with the boot in tandem with flyhalf Chris Hilsenbeck. Lock Marno Redelinghuys, who is a physical ball carrier, will be key to getting his side over the gainline and ensuring their set-piece goes according to plan alongside lock partner and captain Jason Damm.

Prediction

Rugby365: Scotland by 20 points

Teams

Scotland: 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Ollie Smith, 12 Stafford McDowall (captain), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Jamie Dobie, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Dylan Richardson, 6 Liam McConnell, 5 Marshall Sykes, 4 Scott Cummings, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 2 Patrick Harrison, 1 Rory Sutherland.
Replacements: 16 Harri Morris, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Murphy Walker, 19 Alex Samuel, 20 Max Williamson, 21 Magnus Bradbury, 22 George Horne, 23 Ross Thompson.

USA: 15 Erich Storti, 14 Mitch Wilson, 13 Dominic Besag, 12 Tommaso Boni, 11 Toby Fricker, 10 Chris Hilsenbeck, 9 Ruben de Haas, 8 Paddy Ryan, 7 Cory Daniel, 6 Viliami Helu, 5 Jason Damm (captain), 4 Marno Redelinghuys, 3 Pono Davis, 2 Kaleb Geiger, 1 Ezekiel Lindenmuth
Replacements: 16 Sean McNulty, 17 Payton Telea-Ilaio, 18 Maliu Niuafe, 19 Tevita Naqali, 20 Makeen Alikahn, 21 Ethan McVeigh, 22 Tavite Lopeti, 23 Luke Carty

Date: Saturday, November 1
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 17.40 (17.40 GMT; 12.40 EDT)
Referee: Damián Schneider (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy), Katsuki Furuse (Japan)
TMO: Leo Colgan (Ireland)

With additional reporting by @BBC