Big Changes as Scotland Face Samoa in Auckland
Things aren't standing still for Scotland rugby. Ahead of their final Skyscanner Pacific Tour test against Samoa in Auckland, head coach Gregor Townsend has rejigged his team in a way fans can’t ignore. Coming off the back of a disappointing loss to Fiji, Townsend isn’t taking chances with either player availability or positions—as shown by five significant switches in his starting lineup. With world rankings and future World Cup prospects hanging in the balance, there’s more than just pride on the line.
The backline sees the most noticeable changes. Tom Jordan is sidelined with a fractured hand, while wing dynamo Darcy Graham is called up for Lions duty. Covering the gaps, Stafford McDowall steps in at inside-centre while Arron Reed brings pace on the wing. Rory Hutchinson bumps out to outside-centre, moving ahead of Cameron Redpath, offering a shake-up that could spark Scotland's attack in a way the team desperately needs after last week's disappointment.
Up front, there’s another important shuffle. Scotland rugby stalwarts Rory Sutherland and Ewan Ashman check in for starting roles up front, both set to join the British & Irish Lions right after this game. That should give them (and fans watching back home) a bit of extra motivation. Elliot Millar-Mills keeps his place at tighthead prop, anchoring a front row that will be under scrutiny against a physical Samoan pack.
Key Position Adjustments and a Debut Opportunity
Further back in the scrum, Gregor Brown comes in for Marshall Sykes at lock, lining up alongside Grant Gilchrist. It’s a swap intended to add a different dimension at the set piece, a weak point last outing. Blindside flanker Andy Onyeama-Christie returns to replace Jamie Ritchie, who’s missing out due to injury. With Jamie Dobie and Fergus Burke staying as the half-backs, Townsend is hopeful his new-look team can bring a sharper edge in both attack and control.
There’s also a bit of new blood waiting in the wings—literally. On the bench, prop Fin Richardson could earn his first Scotland cap, part of a heavy 6-2 split between forwards and backs on the bench. Alongside Richardson, Nathan McBeth, George Turner, Cameron Henderson, Marshall Sykes, Ben Muncaster, George Horne, and Adam Hastings provide more than enough cover if things get scrappy, as you'd expect against Samoa.
This isn’t just about ending the tour on a high. World Rugby’s ranking system means every point matters, and Scotland are keen to recover ground dropped last week. With plenty of noise already surrounding the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, this match could have real consequences for their seeding and early draw hopes. Fans will be setting their alarms early, as kick-off is set for 8:35 a.m. UK time—a do-or-die fixture that promises drama, new combinations, and a final test under tour pressure.
