Gregor Townsend makes 14 changes as Scotland welcome Portugal to Edinburgh

Gregor Townsend has made sweeping changes to his Scotland starting line-up for the visit of Portugal to Murrayfield in the Autumn Nations Series.

Only Tom Jordan retains his place from the 32-15 defeat to South Africa last weekend, while Darcy Graham returns after recovering from concussion.

George Horne is in at scrum-half, with Adam Hastings back in at 10 for Finn Russell.

Inside centre Stafford McDowall will captain the side alongside Northampton Saints’ Rory Hutchinson in the midfield.

Arron Reed, who has been in scintillating form for Sale Sharks this season, starts on the left wing.

Up front, Glasgow lock Alex Samuel and Edinburgh back-rower are set to make their debuts, while Johnny Matthews starts on the bench.

Also among the replacements are Elliot Millar Mill, Rory Sutherland and Kyle Rowe, who is back in the squad after suffering an injury in the game against Fiji.

There could also be a historic debut for 19-year-old Freddy Douglas. Should he get some game time against Portugal, Douglas will become the youngest player to represent the senior Scotland men’s side since Donald White in 1963.

Scotland will be hoping to sweep aside Portugal and make it two wins from three in the Autumn Nations Series.

Townsend’s side thumped an under-strength Fiji before losing a thriller against South Africa last time out.

They face Australia in their fourth and final game on November 23.

Scotland starting XV:

15. Tom Jordan
14. Darcy Graham
13. Rory Hutchinson
12. Stafford McDowall
11. Arron Reed
10. Adam Hastings
9. George Horne
1. Jamie Bhatti
2. Patrick Harrison
3. Will Hurd
4. Alex Craig
5. Alex Samuel
6. Luke Crosbie
7. Ben Muncaster
8. Josh Bayliss

Replacements:

16. Johnny Matthews
17. Rory Sutherland
18. Elliot Millar Mills
19. Ewan Johnson
20. Freddy Douglas
21. Jamie Dobie
22. Matt Currie
23. Kyle Rowe