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:
17. Rory Sutherland - replacement
Was a late call-up to the Lions tour and started against the USA at the weekend. | SNS Group / SRU
18. Zander Fagerson - replacement
Townsend may be tempted to have the 75-cap tighthead on the bench and bring him on for the last 30 minutes or so. Anything more might be asking too much of the player after such a long lay-off. | SNS Group / SRU
19. Max Williamson - replacement
The Glasgow second-row has been unlucky with injury but he showed last autumn against South Africa that he can mix it with the world’s best. | SNS Group / SRU
20. Gregor Brown - replacement
Has started the season in fine form for Glasgow and can play four or six. Likely to be on the bench if Townsend opts for a six-four split of forwards and back. | SNS Group / SRU