Rugby union: Five debutants in Scotland XV to face Canada in summer tour opener

Gregor Townsend has named five uncapped players in Scotland’s line-up to face Canada in Saturday’s summer tour opener.

Edinburgh centre Matt Currie, Sale Sharks duo, wing Arron Reed and scrum-half Gus Warr, and lock Max Williamson and flanker Gregor Brown – both of Glasgow Warriors – will start at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa.

Northampton Saints hooker Robbie Smith, Glasgow prop Nathan McBeth, Leicester Tigers prop Will Hurd, Oyonnax lock Ewan Johnson and Edinburgh wing Ross McCann could win their first Scotland caps off the bench.

Prop Rory Sutherland is the most experienced starter with 30 appearances, while back-row Matt Fagerson, with 44 caps, and versatile back Kyle Steyn, with 19, offer experience off the bench.

Every other player selected has fewer than nine caps, including co-captains Luke Crosbie (eight) and centre Stafford McDowall (two).

The Scots will also play the United States (12 July), Chile (20 July) and Uruguay (27 July), with the latter two Tests shown live on BBC Scotland and iPlayer.