The inclusion of props WP Nel and Pierre Schoeman are two of five changes to Scotland’s starting lineup for Saturday’s Six Nations Test against Wales in Cardiff.

Coach Gregor Townsend has made just one alteration to his backline, where Sione Tuipulotu starts at inside centre in place of Sam Johnson.

The other four personnel swaps are in the pack, with three of those coming in the front row.

In the all-new front row, Nel, Schoeman and hooker Stuart McInally have been promoted to the run-on XV with Zander Fagerson, Rory Sutherland and George Turner rotating to the bench.

The injury to flank Jamie Ritchie has led to Sam Skinner being fast-tracked into a starting role, alongside Hamis Watson and Matt Fagerson in the back row.

In terms of milestones, lock Grant Gilchrist will make his 50th Test appearance when he runs out for this match and replacement flank Rory Darge will make his Test debut if he comes on off the bench.

Scotland – 15 Stuart Hogg (c), 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ali Price, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Sam Skinner 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Jonny Gray, 3 WP Nel, 2 Stuart McInally, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Subs: 16 George Turner, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Zander Fagerson, 19 Magnus Bradbury, 20 Rory Darge, 21 Ben White, 22 Blair Kinghorn, 23 Cameron Redpath.