Finn Russell out as Scotland name side for Argentina clash

Scotland have named their team to face Argentina in the opening round of the Nations Championship, with Finn Russell ruled out and Tom Jordan selected to start at fly-half in Cordoba.

Finn Russell Misses Argentina Clash

Russell is the most notable absentee from Gregor Townsend’s side after struggling with a calf injury that also kept him out of the closing stages of Bath’s domestic season.

With Russell unavailable, Bristol’s Jordan will wear the number 10 shirt. Jordan has also played at full-back and centre for Scotland, but much of his recent club rugby has come at fly-half. He will partner scrum-half Ben White in the half-backs.

Scotland Team Named For Nations Championship

Sione Tuipulotu will captain Scotland from centre, where he is partnered by Rory Hutchinson. Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie start on the wings, while Kyle Rowe is named at full-back.

Blair Kinghorn has been rested from tour duty following his involvement with Toulouse in the French Top 14 final. Darcy Graham is named among the replacements.

Schoeman And Cummings Reach 50 Caps

Pierre Schoeman and Scott Cummings will both make their 50th appearances for Scotland in the forward pack. Schoeman starts at loosehead prop alongside hooker Ewan Ashman and tighthead Elliot Millar Mills.

Cummings returns from injury to partner Jonny Gray in the second row, while Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey form a familiar back row.

Gregor Hiddleston could make his Scotland debut from the bench, with Zander Fagerson, Rory Sutherland, Alex Samuel, Gregor Brown, George Horne, Fergus Burke and Graham completing the replacements.

After Argentina, Scotland will face South Africa in Pretoria on July 11 before hosting Fiji on July 18.

Scotland XV: 15 Kyle Rowe; 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (capt), 11 Jamie Dobie; 10 Tom Jordan, 9 Ben White; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Elliot Millar Mills, 4 Jonny Gray, 5 Scott Cummings, 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey.

Reserves: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Zander Fagerson, 19 Alex Samuel, 20 Gregor Brown, 21, George Horne, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Darcy Graham.