Gregor Townsend hopes 'cohesion' can guide Scotland to victory

Scotland go into the World Cup as dark horses having emerged as best of the rest behind the heavyweight quartet of Ireland, South Africa, France, and New Zealand

COHESION: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend during a press conference at the Stade de Marseille. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Gregor Townsend insisted the 15 players he has selected to face South Africa have "earned the right" to start together as he challenged his burgeoning Scotland team to deliver on the biggest stage of all.

The head coach named a starting line-up on Friday with no surprises as key duo Darcy Graham and Zander Fagerson returned from injury and suspension respectively for the World Cup Pool B opener against the world champions.