Exeter Chiefs full-back Stuart Hogg will captain Scotland in Saturday's Calcutta Cup showdown against England as the 2022 Six Nations gets underway.
Scotland are targeting back-to-back victories over their neighbour rivals for the first time since 1983/84, having defeated England 11-6 at Twickenham last year, their first win at Headquarters in 38 years.
Hogg's Exeter team-mate, Jonny Gray, has made his return to the starting XV after injury prevented him from taking part in the recent autumn internationals, while Gloucester 's Chris Harris starts in the centres.
Worcester Warriors duo Duhan van der Merwe start on the wing and at loosehead prop, meanwhile, completing a heavy injection of English-based talent in Gregor Townsend's XV.
London Irish scrum-half Ben White could make his Scotland debut if he appears off the bench, though there's no place for less experienced Sale Sharks hooker Ewan Ashman in the squad.
“We feel privileged to be involved in the oldest international rugby fixture on Saturday, against our nearest rivals," said the head coach after announcing his squad on Thursday.
“We are aware of how much winning at Twickenham boosted the spirits of our supporters at the start of last year’s tournament, and we’re looking forward to playing in front of them in person this year.
“We are under no illusions on the tough challenge we have ahead of us against an England side who defeated the World Champions in their last outing.
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“The starting 15 we have named has a consistent feel to it which is great for cohesion but we will also benefit from returning players such as Jonny Gray and Rory Sutherland who have been important players for us in recent seasons.
“Ben White has been in very good form for London Irish and has trained well in the last two weeks, so can approach his first involvement at Test level with real confidence.”
The squad includes 13 of the XV who led Scotland to a rare victory in London last year, while Hamish Watson and Ali Price are back after representing the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.
There will be come familiar faces on the opposite side of the park after Eddie Jones also confirmed his England squad earlier on Thursday, with Tom Curry standing in as captain.
The Sale superstar will skipper the side in the absence of Owen Farrell, who has been ruled out of the tournament following ankle surgery, while Courtney Lawes has yet to fully recover from a head injury.
Lewis Ludlam and Nick Isiekwe have also been handed surprise starts at blindside flanker and lock, respectively, while Elliot Daly was named as an unexpected starter in the No. 13 jersey.
England remain a powerful outfit even with a lengthy list of absentees, not to mention Jones will be out for redemption after his side limped to fifth in the table last year.
Victory over Jones' side helped Scotland finish fourth last year, level on points with Ireland, but a repeat of that result in the first round this time could lead to an even more impressive run.
Scotland team to face England
(Backs) Stuart Hogg, Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Sam Johnson, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell, Ali Price; (Forwards) Matt Fagerson, Hamish Watson, Jamie Ritchie; Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Zander Fagerson, George Turner, Rory Sutherland
Reps: Stuart McInally, Pierre Schoeman, WP Nel, Sam Skinner, Magnus Bradbury, Ben White, Blair Kinghorn, Sione Tuipulotu
