Six Nations: Tim Visser back for Scotland

Tim Visser will make his first start of this year's Six Nations after returning from a hamstring injury in time for Scotland's clash against Italy.

The Harlequins winger missed the first two rounds of the competition, but proved his fitness with two 80-minute outings at club level and with 10 tries in 23 Tests his return is a welcome boost for Scotland.

With Visser fit for the contest between two winless teams in Rome, Sean Lamont  –a 102-cap veteran – drops to the replacements in Scotland's only change to the starting XV.

There are alterations to Vern Cotter's bench, though, with Edinburgh prop Rory Sutherland in with a chance of making his international debut.

Fellow prop Moray Low, back-rower Ryan Wilson and centre Peter Horne also come onto the bench.

"After a week off from the championship, we have returned to camp fresh and fit, and have prepared well for what will be another formidable opponent," Cotter told Scotland Rugby's official website.

"Italy have shown they are a talented team, particularly in their performance away against France, but also in the first-half against England.

"They surprised both teams with their physicality, intensity and quality, all of which we will have to be ready for, and at least equal to, if we are to win in Rome this weekend.

"We have worked hard to improve our game and will stay true to the core values of this team, which is to work hard but stay calm; have belief in our systems, ourselves, and enjoy the opportunity."

Scotland team to face Wales: Stuart Hogg, Tommy Seymour, Mark Bennett, Duncan Taylor, Tim Visser, Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw; Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, WP Nel, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, John Barclay, John Hardie, David Denton.

Replacements: Stuart McInally, Rory Sutherland, Moray Low, Tim Swinson, Ryan Wilson, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Peter Horne, Sean Lamont.