Scotland follow Springboks’ lead and change entire front row for Wales clash

Gregor Townsend has ripped a page from South Africa’s playbook by changing Scotland’s entire front row as he goes in search of a first win in Cardiff in 20 years. Pierre Schoeman, Stuart McInally and WP Nel start against Wales this weekend as Rory Sutherland, George Turner and Zander Ferguson make their way to the bench.

“We’ve learned a lot of things over the last couple of years,” Scotland’s head coach said. “One thing from playing against South Africa was to have a strong front row right at the end of the game.”

The Springboks lifted the 2019 World Cup and won last years’ British and Irish Lions series by changing their front row all at once, ensuring that their scrum and maul remained a threat throughout the contest. Last week, in a thrilling victory over England in the Edinburgh rain, Scotland did the same and their scrum survived several resets at the death, stubbornly resisting a penalty and holding firm for a three point win.

“We’ve got real depth in our front row,” said Towsend. “We want to use them so they’re fresh and can take Wales on in the second half.”

Not a lot worked for Wales in their 29-7 loss to Ireland, but their set-piece, so often a source of pride, was an especially notable weak point. They lost one scrum and four line-outs as their pack was outmuscled in Dublin.

Head coach Wayne Pivac has chosen to address the cause of his ailments, rather than what he views as its symptom. Rory Moriarty returns to the team at the base of the scrum while two open side flankers take their position either side of him. Taine Basham keeps his place while 22-year-old Jac Morgan makes his Test debut.

Wales: L Williams; Cuthbert, Watkin, Tompkins, Rees-Zammit; Biggar (cap), T Williams; Jones, Elias, Francis, Rowlands,