Finn Russell is back in the Scotland squad for Sunday's Test against New Zealand after being called up to replace the injured Adam Hastings.
Racing 92 flyhalves Russell was a controversial omission from Scotland's original group for the Autumn Nations Series. Hastings, Blair Kinghorn and Ross Thompson were chosen ahead of Russell, with Townsend citing "form and consistency" levels as the key criteria for his selection.
Russell, 30, who has had a difficult relationship with Scotland boss Gregor Townsend, walked out on the Scotland squad prior to the Six Nations in 2020 after publicly criticising his coach's methods.
The flyhalf was also dropped for last season's Six Nations game against Ireland after it emerged he had breached team protocol by going out drinking in Edinburgh along with five other players.