Crosbie handed maiden start as Watson misses out on first test for Argentina

's Luke Crosbie will make his first start for in the first test against on Saturday evening.

Crosbie, 25, captained Scotland A to a 45-5 victory in Chile last week, having only played once for them previously in their Autumn Nations Series victory against Tonga last year.

He comes in to the main test team for the injured Hamish Watson, who picked up a training injury last week.

In keeping with a theme that has been seen in all the Home Nations, Scotland have two players returning from long spells away too, as Rory Hutchinson makes his first appearance since 2020 and Mark Bennett his first since 2016.

With Stuart Hogg unavailable Grant Gilchrist captains the team – for the first time in four years –  but coach is optimistic in the strength of his squad, and the recovery of Watson.

Townsend said: “It's the strongest squad we have available for what will be a very challenging test away from home.

“We've got everyone available now apart from Hamish Watson who picked up a knock around his chest/shoulder area at the end of last week.

“The fears at first were that he might have to leave the tour but he has progressed well. He will integrate in training certainly by the start of next week but maybe tomorrow as well with a view to being available for us next week.”

Argentina have named a strong side including Edinburgh's play of the year Emiliano Boffelli, and Townsend was preparing for a tough challenge from the South American side.

Argentina full-back Emiliano Boffelli
Boffelli will be a key player for hosts Argentina

“Argentina are one of the strongest teams out there, the equivalent of playing a team,” said Townsend. “You're playing away from home against some of the best individuals in in Europe.

“There are some quality players playing at Edinburgh every couple of weeks, winning championships for or winning titles for the Crusaders. Argentina have always had some brilliant players and they seem to have a great crop just now.”

Teams (1-15, 16-23)

Argentina: Chaparro, Montoya (c), Gomez Kodela, Petti, Alammano, Gonazlez, Kremer, Matera, Cubelli, Sanchez, Boffelli, De la Fuente, Orlando, Cordero, Mallia

Substitutions: Creevy, Vivas, Sclavi, Paulos, Isa, Bertranou, S Carreras, Moroni.

Scotland: Hutchinson, Graham, Bennett, Johnson, Van der Merwe, Kinghorn, Price; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Gilchrist (c), Gray, Bradbury, Crosbie, M Fagerson.

Substitutions: Ashman, Sutherland, Sebastian, Skinner, Darge, White, Thompson, Tuipulotu.

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