Who will make Scotland’s Six Nations squad? The big snubs, injury latest and welcomed newbies

The Scotland rugby union team more or less picks itself these days. From Pierre Schoeman at No 1 to Blair Kinghorn at 15, it is a tried and trusted line-up with serious experience.

So when Gregor Townsend announces his squad for the Six Nations Championship on Wednesday afternoon, there will be a lot of familiar names in there. But the head coach has always been keen on increasing the competition for places. And that means he may well include some up-and-coming, uncapped players along with his big names.

They might not figure in the opening match against Italy on Saturday , February 1. But later in the tournament, when injuries mount and fresh legs are called for, Townsend will want them to be ready to take their chance. Some established players will also miss out on the Murrayfield match against the Italians - either because they are just coming back from injury or still on the treatment table.

And a few who are fit will simply not be chosen - either because Townsend reckons they are off form, or because he thinks other players have overtaken them. Here is Record Sport’s guide to the probable ins and outs...

New Zealander Fergus Burke qualifies for Scotland thanks to having a grandfather from Glasgow. The stand-off moved from his own country to London club Saracens last year, and his mum is from Dover so he could also play for England. But Townsend is keen on recruiting Burke as back-up for Finn Russell.

Glasgow No 8 Jack Mann has been in ferocious form over the past few games after putting a horrendous run of injuries behind him. The back row is the most competitive part of the team, but the 25-year-old will fight all the way to earn a place.

Mann’s Warriors team-mate Gregor Hiddleston looks ready to step up after