Fresh-faced props make Scotland cut
Scotland, who suffered an agonising last-gasp World Cup quarterfinal loss to eventual runners-up Australia – after a controversial decision by South African referee Craig Joubert went against them – begin their Six Nations campaign at home to England on February 6.
Zimbabwean-born David Denton as well as South African-born Josh Strauss and WP Nel have also been included in the squad.
Centre Alex Dunbar was recalled after a knee injury ruined his chances of playing at last year's World Cup in England. But Glasgow team-mate Ryan Wilson was left out, with the flank facing a potentially lengthy ban after being cited for allegedly grabbing the testicles of Northampton's scrumhalf Lee Dickson.
The Scots will hope to use their encouraging World Cup performance as a springboard for an improved showing in the Six Nations, having finished with the 'wooden spoon' after losing all five of their matches in last season's Championship.
"We've selected a mixture of experience with some exciting young players coming through, some of whom have experienced the World Cup and are eager to move forward, take the Six Nations head on and show that we can develop our game and be competitive.
"I think there should be confidence. The guys have worked hard and improved. There are positive signs that we can compete, and this Championship will give us another opportunity to measure ourselves against very good opposition in a tough competition.
"The guys believe that we can compete, dominate and secure victories in these games," head coach Vern Cotter said.
Scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw will continue to captain the side.
Scotland Six Nations squad:
Forwards: Stuart McInally, Pat MacArthur, Ross Ford, Alasdair Dickinson, Zander Fagerson, Adam Ashe, John Barclay, Blair Cowan, David Denton, Chris Fusaro, John Hardie, Josh Strauss, Jonny Gray, Richie Gray, Tim Swinson, Ben Toolis, Moray Low, Willem Nel, Gordon Reid, Rory Sutherland.
Backs: Stuart Hogg, Ruaridh Jackson, Sean Lamont, Sean Maitland, Tommy Seymour, Tim Visser, Mark Bennett, Alex Dunbar Peter Horne Matt Scott, Duncan Taylor, Finn Russell, Duncan Weir, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Greig Laidlaw (captain).
Agence France-Presse
