Duhan van der Merwe to start against Japan

Warriors wing Duhan van der Merwe will again start for Scotland in their final Autumn Nations Series match against Japan at BT Murrayfield on Saturday (kick-off 1.00 pm).

Van der Merwe will win his 13th Scotland cap and his third since he joined Warriors from Edinburgh Rugby during the summer.

Van der Merwe impressed in Scotland’s defeat by South Africa last Saturday and is one of eight players who have been retained in the starting XV by Head Coach Gregor Townsend.

“We have had a positive week as a squad and want to close out our Autumn Nations Series campaign with an improved performance against a Japan side we expect to challenge us from the outset on Saturday,” Townsend said.

“This group of players have another opportunity to represent their country this weekend and show the progress we have made as a group over the past four weeks.

“The Autumn Series has been a great opportunity for us to test the depth of our squad and also build on the performances of our Six Nations campaign.

“Last Saturday’s defeat was a valuable – if painful – learning experience for us, and we’ve been encouraged by how well the squad has trained this week in response to the loss against South Africa.

“We know how much a winning performance can lift our nation and we will be giving everything for our supporters at BT Murrayfield on Saturday.”

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