Uncapped Magnus Bradbury named in Scotland team to face Argentina

By Sky Sports Scotland

Image: Edinburgh's Magnus Bradbury set for Scotland debut

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter has named uncapped back-row Magnus Bradbury among four personnel changes to his starting XV to face Argentina at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The 21-year-old's inclusion on the blindside flank sees John Barclay move to No 8 with Hamish Watson returning to the openside and Ryan Wilson selected on the bench.

Edinburgh Rugby lock Grant Gilchrist, who captained Scotland to victory over the Pumas in Cordoba two years ago, and Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown are promoted from the bench in place of the injured Richie Gray (suspected concussion) and Ross Ford, who is named among the replacements.

They will pack down with returning tight-five forwards Zander Fagerson, last week's debutant Allan Dell, and try-scoring lock Jonny Gray.

Image: Scotland were narrowly beaten by Australia last weekend

The return of wing Tommy Seymour is the only change to the back division, meaning two-time try-scorer Huw Jones and centre partner Alex Dunbar return, while half-backs Greig Laidlaw and Finn Russell, and Stuart Hogg and Sean Maitland are also reinstated.

Advertisement

Two further personnel changes appear on the bench with prop Alex Allan and lock Tim Swinson coming in for Gordon Reid and the promoted Gilchrist.

Image: Richie Gray (white) forced to sit out visit of Argentina at Murrayfield

Reflecting on his reshuffle in the wake of last week's heartbreaking 23-22 defeat to Australia, Cotter said: "Every week we want to improve.

Also See:

"We did a lot of good things against Australia, we scored three tries to their two, we were aggressive in attack and our defence held strong for the most part.

"While it's disappointing we didn't walk off with the win, I'm proud of the courage the players showed and the way they adapted to changes on the paddock due to injuries.

Image: Tommy Seymour back in Scotland team to face Argentina

"Saturday's game is going to be a different challenge for us, both physically and mentally, against a very dangerous Argentina side.

"They have the capacity to vary their game so we have to be prepared for whatever approach they take, though we can expect them to look to dominate the set piece as a starting point, be very explosive around the rucks and look to get their offloading game up and running.

"We will have to be disciplined and make sure we capitalise on every opportunity we create."

Image: Cotter admits pride in Scots showing against Australia

Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg; 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Alex Dunbar, 11 Tommy Seymour, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Greig Laidlaw (capt); 1 Allan Dell, 2 Fraser Brown, 3 Zander Fagerson, 4 Grant Gilchrist, 5 Jonny Gray, 6 Magnus Bradbury, 7 Hamish Watson, 8 John Barclay

Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 Alex Allan, 18 Moray Low, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Ryan Wilson, 21 Ali Price, 22 Pete Horne, 23 Tim Visser

Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price!

Outbrain