After yet another glorious defeat to New Zealand, next up for the Scots is the in-form Pumas.
The All Blacks emerged 25-17 victors at Murrayfield on Saturday in a match that Scotland majorly had the upper hand in, but it was the same old story in the end. As Gregor Townsend and his team try and get back to winning ways, Felipe Contepomi’s Argentina await.
The fitness of Finn Russell has been cause for concern for Scotland fans as he hobbled off in the closing stages against New Zealand. Townsend identified at the time that it was an ankle problem and that Russell didn’t think it was ‘too serious’ however whether he’ll be fit for Saturday is still unknown.
Zander Fagerson is still touch and go in terms of his fitness and was a huge miss for the All Blacks clash. Townsend said it was too early for the tighthead to come back last weekend but that he would play a part in the rest of the Autumn Series. In further squad updates, Rory Sutherland, Arron Reed and Murphy Walker have dropped out, while Leicester’s Will Hurd and Glasgow’s Jamie Bhatti have been called up.
Argentina are one of only two International teams to have beaten the All Blacks this season and will go into the match full of confidence having just thumped Wales 52-28 in Cardiff. Gregor Townsend recently said that the modern game as ‘gone aerial’ and expects Argentina to take full advantage of that. With that in mind, here’s how we think Scotland will set up in their Murrayfield clash on Saturday against the Pumas:
13. Rory Hutchinson
Done his bit defensively against New Zealand and could keep his place. Could this be the start of a partnership with Tuipulotu? | SNS Group / SRU
14. Kyle Steyn
A more well-rounded winger than D'arcy Graham. Steyn's exploits under the high-ball just give him the nod. | SNS Group
15. Blair Kinghorn
Not a vintage performance against the All Blacks but still a dependable figure. Hopefully he won't still have nightmares about Damian McKenzie getting past him. | SNS Group