Zander Fagerson to make long-awaited Scotland return in clash with Tonga

Zander Fagerson will make his first appearance in more than seven months after being selected to start Scotland’s final autumn Test against Tonga.

The Glasgow tighthead has been sidelined since April due to a combination of calf and knee injuries, but will be part of an experienced front row alongside fellow prop Rory Sutherland and hooker George Turner, who will win his 50th cap.

Captain Sione Tuipulotu is the only player to retain his place in the starting XV from last weekend’s defeat by Argentina as Gregor Townsend freshens up his squad.

Joint record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe returns after being dropped for the last two Tests against New Zealand and the Pumas, with Kyle Rowe on the other wing and Tom Jordan at full-back.

Saracens fly-half Fergus Burke will win his third cap in place of Finn Russell, who drops out of the squad altogether.

In the back row, Magnus Bradbury will make his first start for three and a half years in the number eight jersey while flankers Andy Onyeama-Christie and Jamie Ritchie are handed their first appearances of the autumn.