Borders pair Sutherland and Hogg line up to face England
Full back Stuart Hogg (captain) and loose head prop Rory Sutherland return for Scotland on Saturday in the Guinness Six Nations Test against England at BT Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 4.45pm, live on BBCTV).
The Borders players, both with Hawick connections, while Sutherland also prevously played for Gala duriing his career, are part of a virtually unchanged squad which lines up for the Calcutta Cup clash after last weekend’s 19-12 defeat in Ireland.
Number 8 Magnus Bradbury is the only change to the starting XV, coming in for the benched Nick Haining.
Head coach, former Gala legend Gregor Townsend, told the Scottish Rugby website: “We were proud of parts of our performance in Dublin at a very difficult venue.
“The challenge for the squad is to replicate that level and take our chances when they come, in order to win tight games.
“We were disappointed not to beat Ireland but the opportunity to face England, against whom we are bidding to retain the Calcutta Cup, is one that excites players, coaches and supporters alike.”
He added: “England are an excellent team whose run to the Rugby World Cup final was no fluke. They will be smarting from their opener in Paris and Eddie (Jones, head coach) will have them primed to come to Edinburgh and put in an improved performance.
“This famous fixture is one that stands out given the history surrounding it and we will have to be at our very best to stand a chance of winning against our oldest rivals.”