Gregor Townsend has two big selection dilemmas ahead of Scotland’s first match with New Zealand in three years.
Glasgow Warriors forwards Zander Fagerson and Rory Darge are key players for the national side and have been battling to prove their readiness for Saturday’s clash at Murrayfield.
Both have been sidelined by injury, with Fagerson’s lay-off being particularly lengthy. He has not played since April 5, an absence of seven months, due to calf and knee problems. Darge has been out since September 26 after injuring his knee in Glasgow’s opening game of the new URC season.
The Scotland camp have been making positive noises about the pair but is Townsend prepared to throw them straight in against the All Blacks?
It would be a huge ask, particularly of Fagerson, but he is such a key player for Scotland. Rated as one of the best tighthead props in the world, his absence would be keenly felt against New Zealand. Darge is also a class act but the back row is a position of strength for Townsend’s team.
Here’s how I think they will line up on Saturday, with the coach expected to err on the side of caution:
13. Sione Tuipulotu
Returns to the Scotland captaincy after missing the Six Nations through injury. Played big role in the Lions' first Test victory over Australia in the summer, scoring the game’s opening try. Only question mark will be whether he plays 12 or 13 and that will depend on with whom he is paired. | SNS Group / SRU
14. Darcy Graham
Bagged a hat-trick against the States on Saturday to draw level with van der Merwe on 34 Scotland tries - a national record for the men’s team. Back to his elusive best. | SNS Group / SRU
15. Blair Kinghorn
Returns to the Scotland set-up on the back of a successful Lions tour where he was part of the victorious Test side. Part of an exciting back three who should be able to ask questions of the All Blacks. | SNS Group / SRU
16. George Turner - replacement
Back in the Scotland groove after a stint in Japan. The Harlequins hooker is likely to start on the bench and bring his trademark aggression to bear late on. | SNS Group / SRU