Strauss gets Scottish start
He is one of 10 changes to the starting XV that beat Japan 45-10 which sees the entire bench of that match being handed starting berths while there are four new faces – Tim Visser and Alasdair Strokosch who start at wing and flank respectively, and replacements Tim Swinson and Duncan Weir – to the matchday squad
Head Coach Vern Cotter has sought continuity in the rotated squad.
"We said from the start that we'd need the whole group of 31 players for this campaign.
"We've known this schedule for a long time and have tried to keep continuity in selection, while also introducing fresh legs to what will be another very physical challenge this Sunday," Cotter said.
Scrumhalf Henry Pyrgos, who captained against Ireland, will lead the side as one of four changes to the starting backs.
He comes in to partner try-scoring flyhalf Finn Russell, who made his debut against the Eagles in last summer's 24-6 win in Houston, Texas.
The Glasgow Warriors duo begin a club connection that is continued by the introduction of centre Peter Horne alongside Mark Bennett, who scored twice against Japan.
The changes to the back division are completed by the introduction of Sean Maitland and Visser alongside fullback Stuart Hogg.
In the pack Ryan Grant, Fraser Brown and Jon Welsh make a straight swap for front row colleagues Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford and Willem Nel.
Lock Richie Gray starts in place of brother Jonny, with Swinson taking the vacated place on the bench, while Strokosch and Strauss come in for Ryan Wilson and David Denton in the back row.
"I was pleased with both the commitment and composure against Japan, particularly towards the end of the game, however we are always working and looking for things on which to improve.
"Hopefully we'll see the result of that on Sunday in another very important Test match in our Pool," he added.
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Mark Bennett, 12 Peter Horne, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Henry Pyrgos (captain), 8 Josh Strauss, 7 John Hardie, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Jon Welsh, 2 Fraser Brown, 1 Ryan Grant.
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Willem Nel, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Ryan Wilson, 21 Greig Laidlaw, 22 Duncan Weir, 23 Matt Scott.
Date: Sunday, September 27
Venue: Elland Road, Leeds
Kick-off: 14.30 (13.30 GMT, 09.30 EDT)
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: John Lacey (Ireland), Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
@Scotlandteam
