Dempsey named to suit up for Scotland against former Wallaby team

Former Wallabies back-rower Jack Dempsey will be unleashed off the bench to tackle his Australian countrymen – and coach Gregor Townsend can’t wait to see how he fares in his debut Test for Scotland.

Sydneysider Dempsey will make his bow for his adopted nation at Murrayfield on Saturday evening after overcoming a rib injury to take his place on the replacements’ bench.

“He’s already proved he’s got the game to thrive at international level – and we believe he’s got the game that can really thrive for us,” said Townsend after naming the 14-times capped Wallabies forward in his 23.

The 28-year-old Dempsey, whose maternal grandfather was Scottish, made himself available for Scotland following a recent change in World Rugby’s international eligibility rules.

Dempsey, who hasn’t played for the Wallabies since the 2019 World Cup, decided to make the switch after moving to play in Scotland last year for the Glasgow Warriors and discussing the change of allegiance with his family.

This time last year, Dempsey was watching the equivalent Scotland-Australia Test in the Murrayfield stands as a fan, nursing a pint of Guinness.

Now Townsend believes he’s ready to step up against his homeland side.

“There’s a lot of information to take on board when you’re new to a team, but he’s adapted well,” said the coach.

“He’s played very well for Glasgow and we want to see his strengths when he comes on.

“We have lots of players that come from different backgrounds and Jack is part of that inclusive, diverse group we have and we can’t wait to see how he does for us.”

Unveiling his team on Thursday, Townsend was also quick to play down the idea that Dave Rennie’s team are somewhat in disarray after winning only three of their last 12 Tests over the past year in a run that started with the 15-13 loss at Murrayfield in last year’s equivalent fixture.

Townsend went to Melbourne last month and was impressed by what he saw in their 39-37 defeat to New Zealand.

“Although they’ve not won as many games as they’d have liked, they’ve shown their quality enough times over the summer to be positive about their northern hemisphere tour.

“(Last year) it was a very tight game, they played well and had come off the back of beating South Africa just before they played us. They also beat South Africa this summer, so they’re a quality team.

“We know Dave Rennie really well and he’s always had an attacking philosophy. It will be a big test for us.”

The Scots have suffered a blow with second-rower Scott Cummings forced out of their autumn internationals with a broken toe.

He’s been replaced by Edinburgh’s Glen Young, who’ll be on the bench alongside Dempsey.

Jamie Ritchie will captain the side from blindside flanker for the first time since he was appointed as Stuart Hogg’s successor.

The team is also not at full strength as Townsend only had Scottish-based players to choose from, with players of the calibre of Adam Hastings, Chris Harris, Josh Bayliss and Hogg all unavailable as the Test falls outside the international window.

With PA