Scotland Squad Updates for Nations Championship Opener
Head coach Gregor Townsend has confirmed the squad for Scotland's initial Nations Championship fixture against Argentina, with significant changes including the return of Jonny Gray and the absence of Finn Russell.
Russell's Injury and Jordan's Opportunity
Fly-half Finn Russell, 33, will not participate in Saturday's match in Cordoba as he continues to recover from a calf injury sustained during the latter part of Bath's domestic season. While he is unavailable for the Argentina game, there is a possibility he could feature in the subsequent match against South Africa. In Russell's place, Tom Jordan will start at number 10, with Fergus Burke named among the replacements.
Gray's Comeback and Milestone Caps
Jonny Gray makes his return to the Scottish lineup, having missed the recent Six Nations tournament. His inclusion is a boost for the team, and Townsend praised his recent form with Perpignan. Accompanying Gray in the second row will be Scott Cummings, 29, who is set to earn his 50th cap. Prop Pierre Schoeman, 32, will also reach this milestone. Townsend highlighted the established partnership between Gray and Cummings, noting their history together at Glasgow.
Squad Changes and Emerging Talent
The starting XV for the Argentina match features eight personnel changes from the team that concluded the Six Nations campaign with a defeat to Ireland. Players rejoining the side include full-back Kyle Rowe, centre Rory Hutchinson, wing Jamie Dobie, hooker George Turner, prop Elliot Millar-Mills, and Cummings, alongside Gray. Kyle Steyn will shift from left to right wing to accommodate Dobie. Zander Fagerson and Darcy Graham, who started in the Dublin fixture, will begin the match on the bench. There is also potential for Gregor Hiddleston to make his international debut from the bench.
Townsend expressed confidence in the team's ability to quickly integrate the new combinations. He emphasized Scotland's capacity to challenge top-tier teams when their offensive and defensive strategies are executed effectively, citing evidence from past Six Nations and November series. The coach also underscored the increased depth within the squad, anticipating that replacements will maintain or elevate the team's energy and performance.
Full Scotland Squad for Argentina Match
- Starting XV: Rowe, Steyn, Hutchinson, Tuipulotu (capt), Dobie, Jordan, White; Schoeman, Ashman, Millar-Mills, Gray, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
- Replacements: Hiddleston, Sutherland, Z Fagerson, Samuel, Brown, Horne, Burke, Graham.
