Rugby World Cup 2019: Gregor Townsend makes five changes to Scotland team for clash with Samoa

It is a new-look back row for Scotland, while Darcy Graham and Chris Harris come in in the backs

Scotland have made five changes to their team for their Rugby World Cup 2019 clash with Samoa.

Gregor Townsend has named a new-look back row, with Magnus Bradbury straight into the starting lineup after replacing the injured Hamish Watson in the squad.

Jamie Ritchie and Blade Thomson also come in at the back of the scrum with Scotland looking to rebound after a disappointing opening defeat to Ireland.

“We had worked hard in our build-up this tournament to deliver our best rugby but we were well below this level in our opening game,” Townsend said.

“It’s been a long week building towards a game where we intend to put a lot of things right.

“The reality is we now have to win our next three games to make it out of our pool, so the knockout stages for us begin this Monday night.

“I firmly believe this group are ready to take on that challenge.”

The loss of Watson sees Ritchie, who impressed during the Six Nations, come on to the openside, with Bradbury replacing John Barclay at six.

Ryan Wilson also misses out, with the versatile Thomson getting the nod at number eight.

Scotland’s two other changes come in the backs.

Chris Harris replaces Duncan Taylor at outside centre, while the exciting Darcy Graham is brought in on the right wing. Taylor wears the 23 jersey on the bench, while Tommy Seymour drops out of the squad entirely.

Greig Laidlaw retains his place at scrum-half with Ali Price also out for the tournament. George Horne comes on to the bench.

Samoa beat Russia in their opening Pool A match, but will be without centre Rey Lee-Lo and hooker Motu Matu’u for the remainder of the group stages.

The pair had three-match bans levied upon them after being cited for high tackles in that Russia game.

Wing Belgium Tuatagaloa comes in to the side with Alapati Leiua shifting in to the centres in the absence of Lee-Lo.

Scotland were well beaten by Ireland in their opening World Cup fixture (Getty) (Getty Images)

Captain Jack Lam returns at number eight.

Townsend is not overlooking the Pacific Islanders’ threat.

“Samoa are a team capable of scoring points from anywhere on the field.

“They play an ambitious brand of rugby and their team is full of skillful and powerful players,”

Scotland team to face Samoa

15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Darcy Graham, 13-Chris Harris, 12-Sam Johnson, 11-Sean Maitland, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Greig Laidlaw, 8-Blade Thomson, 7-Jamie Ritchie, 6-Magnus Bradbury, 5-Jonny Gray, 4-Grant Gilchrist, 3-Willem Nel, 2-Stuart McInally (captain), 1-Allan Dell

Replacements: 16-Fraser Brown, 17-Gordon Reid, 18-Zander Fagerson, 19-Scott Cummings, 20-Ryan Wilson, 21-George Horne, 22-Adam Hastings, 23-Duncan Taylor

Samoa team to face Scotland

15-Tim Nanai-Williams, 14-Belgium Tuatagaloa, 13-Alapati Leiua, 12-Henry Taefu, 11-Ed Fidow, 10-Tusi Pisi, 9-Melani Matavao, 8-Jack Lam (captain), 7-TJ Ioane, 6-Chris Vui, 5-Kane Le’aupepe, 4-Teofilo Paulo, 3-Michael Alaalatoa, 2-Ray Niuia, 1-Logovii Mulipola

Replacements: 16-Seilala Lam, 17-Paul Alo-Emile, 18-Jordan Lay, 19-Piula Faasalele, 20-Josh Tyrell, 21-Pele Cowley, 22-Ulupano Seuteni, 23-Kieron Fonotia