Samuel to make Scotland debut as McDowall named captain

Alex Samuel is set to make his senior international debut at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this Saturday, after the second-rower was named in Scotland’s starting XV to take on Portugal this weekend.

The former Scotland U20 captain has been a near ever-present for Glasgow Warriors in 2024/25 to date, featuring in all bar one of the club’s six fixtures so far this campaign.

Samuel is one of 10 Warriors given the nod for Scotland’s first meeting with Portugal since the 2007 Rugby World Cup, as Gregor Townsend’s men look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to South Africa.

Stafford McDowall is promoted to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in both of Scotland’s opening two matches of The Famous Grouse Nations Series, the centre also assuming the captaincy of his country for the first time on a solo basis.

Tom Jordan retains his place at full-back after an impressive display against the Springboks, making more metres with ball in hand than any other Scottish player.

Adam Hastings returns to the starting XV after missing out on the clash with South Africa, the fly-half having impressed with three try assists in the 57-17 win over Fiji a fortnight ago.

He is joined in the half-backs by George Horne, the scrum-half making his first appearance of The Famous Grouse Nations Series as well as being named as one of his country’s vice-captains.

Jamie Bhatti is another to make his first outing of the autumn, the loose-head joining Samuel in the pack for Saturday’s encounter.

Johnny Matthews is set to make his first-ever Scotland appearance at Scottish Gas Murrayfield after being named on the bench, the hooker – called into the Scotland squad earlier this week – having won his only Scotland cap to date against Romania in last year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

Rory Sutherland wears the number 17 jersey for the third successive match, with Jamie Dobie similarly continuing his run of being involved in each matchday 23 of the autumn Tests thus far.

Kyle Rowe rounds out the Glasgow contingent, the winger returning to the matchday squad after recovering from an injury sustained in the win over Fiji.

Kick-off for Saturday’s match is scheduled for 3.10pm, with tickets still available at scottishrugby.org.

Get behind your Warriors on the international stage! 😃

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 There are still tickets available for Scotland v Portugal at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this weekend, as well as Scotland A v Chile next Saturday – grab yours today 👉 https://t.co/24bHNOBv07 #WhateverItTakes | #AsOne pic.twitter.com/LzopYcB6tt

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) November 13, 2024

Scotland to face Portugal at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 16 November, kick-off 3.10pm, live on TNT Sports

15. Tom Jordan – Glasgow Warriors (2)
14. Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby (40)
13. Rory Hutchinson – Northampton Saints (7)
12. Stafford McDowall – Glasgow Warriors (7) CAPTAIN
11. Arron Reed – Sale Sharks (2)
10. Adam Hastings – Glasgow Warriors (31)
9. George Horne – Glasgow Warriors (32) VICE-CAPTAIN
1. Jamie Bhatti – Glasgow Warriors (34)
2. Patrick Harrison – Edinburgh Rugby (2)
3. Will Hurd – Leicester Tigers (2)
4. Alex Craig – Scarlets (4)
5. Alex Samuel – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
6. Luke Crosbie – Edinburgh Rugby (11) VICE-CAPTAIN
7. Ben Muncaster – Edinburgh Rugby (uncapped)
8. Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby (8)

Replacements

16. Johnny Matthews – Glasgow Warriors (1)
17. Rory Sutherland – Glasgow Warriors (35)
18. Elliot Millar Mills – Northampton Saints (6)
19. Ewan Johnson – Oyonnax (3)
20. Freddy Douglas – Edinburgh Rugby (uncapped)
21. Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors (8)
22. Matt Currie – Edinburgh Rugby (3)
23. Kyle Rowe – Glasgow Warriors (8)