URGENT UPDATE: Zander Fagerson is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Scotland rugby team, starting in their final autumn Test against Tonga on November 4, 2023. After more than seven months on the sidelines due to calf and knee injuries, Fagerson’s comeback marks a significant boost for the team as they look to bounce back following their recent defeat to Argentina.
The Glasgow tighthead will join an experienced front row, teaming up with fellow prop Rory Sutherland and hooker George Turner, who will earn his 50th cap in this crucial match. Scotland’s captain Sione Tuipulotu is the only player retained from the starting lineup that faced Argentina last weekend, as head coach Gregor Townsend aims to inject fresh energy into the squad.
In an exciting twist, joint record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe returns to the wing after being left out of the last two Tests against New Zealand and Argentina. He will be joined by Kyle Rowe on the opposite wing, while Tom Jordan takes his position at full-back.
Notably, Fergus Burke will step in as fly-half, winning his third cap in place of Finn Russell, who drops out of the squad entirely. The back row sees Magnus Bradbury making his first start in over three years at number eight, with flankers Andy Onyeama-Christie and Jamie Ritchie also receiving their first appearances of the autumn.
As Scotland faces Tonga at BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, the pressure is on to deliver a powerful performance. Fans are eager to see how this revamped lineup performs against a formidable opponent.
Stay tuned for live updates as Scotland looks to reclaim their momentum in this pivotal match. The return of Fagerson and other key players has created a buzz among supporters, making this an unmissable event in the rugby calendar.
