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:
21. Rory Darge - replacement
Like Zander, Darge may start on the bench following his lengthy injury absence. A great option to bring on. | SNS Group / SRU
22. Jamie Dobie - replacement
Man of the match in the 85-0 win over the USA, scoring a hat-trick and looking equally good at scrum-half and on the wing. Likely to cover both positions from the bench against the All Blacks. | SNS Group / SRU
23. Stafford McDowell - replacement
The Glasgow centre could start outside Tuipulotu or Townsend may prefer to have him as a replacement where he can cover stand-off or centre. | SNS Group / SRU