McInally back as captain of Scots in clash with Argentina

STUART McInally will lead Scotland against Argentina on Sunday after recovering from injury.

The hooker has been absent with a calf injury suffered prior to departing for the tour of the Americas but is fit to play in the third and final Test.

McInally is one of eight changes made by head coach Gregor Townsend following the surprise 30-29 defeat to the United States last weekend, with Tim Swinson the only forward retained.

Alongside McInally, who stayed with the squad as tour captain throughout his injury, Allan Dell and Simon Berghan will pack down while Grant Gilchrist partners Swinson in the second row.

Townsend has been forced to name regular hooker Fraser Brown in the back row despite having Jamie Ritchie on the bench and the Glasgow man will line up alongside Magnus Bradbury and David Denton.

Dougie Fife, who made a try-scoring return after three years in the international wilderness last week, is the only change in the backs as he replaces Byron McGuigan.

The game against Argentina in Montevideo is Scotland’s last of the summer tour which has so far seen them win one and lose one but Townsend is focusing on rotating his squad.

“With the majority of the squad involved in two Tests, we believe we’ll be in a much better position in the future, having exposed more players to Test level rugby, for the season ahead and beyond,” he said.

“We’ve learned a lot on this tour about this group of players. Now we have to use that learning to put in a very good performance to beat Argentina on their home patch.

“We’re looking forward to a passionate atmosphere in a football stadium with the crowd very close to the pitch.

“Argentina will bring their passion and physicality where they have traditionally been strong – set piece, ball carrying and in the contact area.

“They also have a host of excellent attacking players. The last few seasons have seen a much more expansive brand of rugby since joining the Rugby Championship and, more recently, the performances of Jaguares in Super Rugby.”

DANNY Cipriani will celebrate the realisation of his dream to return as England’s starting fly-half after ousting George Ford for tomorrow’s final Test against South Africa. He said: “Anyone who knows me, knows that’s what I’ve always wanted. It’s a privilege to be here. I feel very grateful for the opportunity.”