Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has named inexperienced backs Chris Harris and Bryon McGuigan to start against Wales in Cardiff Saturday.

While injury has hampered Welsh preparations, Scotland have been fortunate with Richie Gray the only key player ruled out due to a calf problem, with the returning Greig Laidlaw managing just a place on the replacements bench at the Principality Stadium.

Stuart Hogg, who missed the victory over the Wallabies, returns to the starting XV as one of six changes, while Harris also makes his first start.

Townsend said: "We've selected a squad that we believe can start the Six Nations with the intensity and speed required to win in Cardiff.

"Last year's championship highlighted that every game is a fierce competition and that all teams have to play at their very best to win away from home. Delivering that level of performance has been firmly in our thoughts during our preparations this week.

"We're expecting a really physical game against a very good team. Wales have one of the best defences in the game and an attack that sees forwards passing much more and a structure that enables backs to get on ball."

After pushing the All Blacks and defeating Australia and Samoa last November, there is a feeling Townsend's men can challenge for the Championship title.

Scotland team vs. Wales

Hogg, Seymour, Harris, Jones, McGuigan, Russell, Price; Reid, McInally, Welsh, Toolis, J Gray, Barclay (captain), Du Preez, Watson.

Replacements: Lawson, Bhati, McCallum, Gilchrist, Wilson, Laidlaw, Horne, Maitland.