Townsend hoping for highly motivated starters v Wales

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend hopes recalled players Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe have an added motivation to impress in Saturday's Six Nations trip to Wales.

The experienced duo, who have over 100 caps between them have, not featured in the first two matches of the campaign. However they have returned to the fold and will start the Cardiff clash.

When asked if the British and Irish Lions pair will have extra incentive to catch the eye in the Welsh capital, Townsend said "I hope so.

"I hope they realise what is required now they have been out of the team and are desperate to not to be in this situation again.

"There is obviously very good competition around our back three right now and they are aware of that because they didn't get selected in the first two games.

"But they are also aware that they will have to play well to be in the mix for the French game."

Edinburgh winger Darcy Graham, who has been capped 52 times, is still waiting for his first start of this Six Nations having been named among the replacements for the third game in a row.

"I think Darcy is unlucky to miss out," Townsend added.

"Darcy has been really good over the last few weeks in training, he has been excellent off the bench but we see him having a big impact at the weekend.'

"I know there will be highly motivated players that are coming back in to the team but there are also players off the bench that are desperate to make an impact."