Former Wallaby Dempsey to make Scotland debut against Australia, Hooper returns

By Sports Desk October 27, 2022

Jack Dempsey is set to make his Scotland debut against his former team Australia, who will welcome Michael Hooper back to their side at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Back row Dempsey won 14 caps for the Wallabies but took advantage of a change in eligibility regulations to pledge his allegiance to Scotland.

The Sydney-born 28-year-old, who has a Scottish grandfather, has been named among the replacements for the Autumn Nations Series opener, with Jamie Ritchie leading Gregor Townsend's men after Stuart Hogg was stripped of the captaincy.

Blair Kinghorn starts at fly-half after Finn Russell was dropped, while Ollie Smith comes in for his first start at full-back in the absence of Hogg.

Hooper did not play for Australia in the Rugby Championship after stating he was not in the right frame of mind, but the flanker is back.

Dave Rennie retained James Slipper as captain rather than Hooper, with Tate McDermott starting at fly-half.

Centre Hunter Paisami and lock Nick Frost have also been recalled to the side.

Scotland team: Ollie Smith, Darcy Graham, Mark Bennett, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Blair Kinghorn, Ali Price; Pierre Schoeman, Dave Cherry, Zander Fagerson, Sam Skinner, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie (captain), Hamish Watson, Matt Fagerson.

Replacements: George Turner, Jamie Bhatti, WP Nel, Glen Young, Jack Dempsey, George Horne, Ross Thompson, Damien Hoyland.

 

Australia team: Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Tom Wright, Bernard Foley, Tate McDermott; James Slipper (captain), David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Rob Valetini.

Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Matt Gibbon, Taniela Tupou, Ned Hanigan, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Jock Campbell.

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