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Scotland have made three changes to their starting line-up for Saturday’s Six Nations match away to Italy.
The Calcutta Cup winners have replaced injured Sione Tuipulotu with Cameron Redpath at inside centre.
George Horne takes over from Ben White at scrum-half, with head coach Gregor Townsend explaining White was being given the chance to “recharge”.
And, in the back row, Andy Christie comes in for former captain Jamie Ritchie, who is on the bench.
Another back-rower, Matt Fagerson, scrum-half Ali Price and wing Kyle Rowe come into the squad as Ritchie’s fellow substitutes.
Scotland, who have won their past 13 Tests against Gli Azzurri, have two wins from three so far in the championship and finish against Ireland in Dublin on 16 March.
Redpath wins his 13th cap, Horne his 29th and Christie his seventh.
“We just feel that Ben has played a lot of rugby,” said Townsend. “I think he’s only missed one game since October. Going back and forth to Toulon during this period, something’s got to give. We feel this week’s the best week for him to recharge.
“Sione’s a massive part of our squad off the field. He’s one of our leaders. He’s a wise man for someone who isn’t that old. He’s one of our defence leaders. Yes, we miss him but Cam is in the defensive leadership group. He’s been in great form.
“We just feel Andy, with the potential way this game’s going to be played – more ball in play, getting ball carriers on the ball as often as possible, that’s what Andy brings.”
Italy were a missed conversion away from winning away at 14-man France in round three.
“They’ve been improving for some time,” Townsend said.
“It’s a team that’s been very competitive against any team in the Six Nations. We know this is going to be one of our biggest Tests this season.”
Townsend described himself as “happy-ish” with Scotland’s form so far.
“In terms of performance, we’re a little bit away from what we know what we can deliver,” he added, with his side six points off leaders Ireland. “There’s still a lot more to come from us.
“[There’s] a lot to play for this weekend and the following weekend in Dublin.”
Scotland: Kinghorn, Steyn, Jones, Redpath, Van der Merwe, Russell (co-capt), Horne; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Gilchrist, Cummings, Christie, Darge (co-capt), Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Hepburn, Millar-Mills, Skinner, Ritchie, M Fagerson, Price, Rowe.
