Scotland gave world champions South Africa a real contest at Murrayfield last weekend but ultimately fell short as the Boks ran out 32-15 winners in the end.
Gregor Townsend will hope to see his team bounce back with a commanding victory this weekend when they take on Portugal who will be playing at the home of Scottish Rugby for the first time in history this weekend. With many of the nation’s biggest names expected to be rested there should be a chance for the squad’s fringe players to get some time in the spotlight.
With that in mind, this is our predicted starting XV for this weekend’s third Autumn Nations Series Test:
9. George Horne
With Ritchie in the forwards the Glasgow scrum half will provide plenty experience at Test level from nine and his electric bursts always get the Murrayfield crowd off their feet | SNS Group
10. Adam Hastings
A tough one as Tom Jordan may get the nod at his favour position after a strong showing against South Africa at full back. We may even see Jordan at 10 and Hastings at 12 but we're predicting Jordan to be saved for Australia and Hastings to get the nod at fly-half | SNS Group
11. Kyle Rowe
Missed the match with South Africa so Townsend will need to manage his game time back into the XV but Portugal should provide a good chance from him to strut his stuff | SNS Group / SRU
12. Rory Hutchinson
Has been around the Scotland set up since 2019 but has only earned seven caps so far but should get a chance to impress this weekend Photo: Gary Hutchison - SNS Group/SRU