After last week’s collapse against Argentina, Gregor Townsend is expected to make several changes for the Tonga clash at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The Scots were 21 points to the good against Los Pumas and were cruising to victory but after taking their foot off the gas in the second half ended up on the wrong side of a 33-24 scoreline. The defeat angered the Murrayfield crowd, who preceded to boo the team off the park, in what was the biggest home crowd scalding of the National Team in recent memory.
Townsend before the Argentina match that there were to a lot of changes expected for Tonga. However, after two bitterly disappointing weeks of glorious failure against the All Blacks and complacency against Los Pumas, he may opt to go for some more experienced customers against the Tongans to go for a convincing win.
Saying that, we think the Scotland coach will keep to his word and give a plethora of starts to some squad fringe players. With that in mind, here’s the predicted Scotland starting XV for their Quilter Nations Series finale against Tonga:
1. Nathan McBeth
Deserves a chance to show what he can do from the start in place of Schoeman, after he was deployed from the bench against Argentina. | SNS Group
2. Ewan Ashman
Perhaps Townsend's player of the Series so far, the Edinburgh man hasn't deserved to be on the losing side against the All Blacks and Argentina. However, George Turner will also be in selection contention for what will be his 50th cap. | SNS Group
3. Zander Fagerson
The Scotland Coach said he would play a part in the Series but he is yet to feature through injury. Hopefully, the Tonga match will give the Murrayfield crowd a chance to see the Lions tighthead in action. | SNS Group / SRU
4. Marshall Sykes
While Cummings and Gilchrist have developed a solid partnership, a new-look second row is expected for Sunday afternoon as Sykes prepares to make his first start since the USA. | SNS Group / SRU