Hastings pairs up with Russell in new-look Scotland midfield

In a move that has been telegraphed over the course of the autumn international campaign, Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has unveiled a new starting midfield partnership for Saturday’s match against Argentina at Murrayfield.

Townsend has named nine changes from the side who lost narrowly to South Africa last week, but the most eye-catching is the decision to move Finn Russell from stand-off to inside centre, and to partner him with youngster Adam Hastings, who starts at No10.

The Russell-hastings pairing enjoyed a 10-minute cameo against Fiji, which ended with the two combining for an outstanding lastminute try for Hastings.

The success of that experiment, and injuries to Matt Scott and Sam Johnson, have persuaded Townsend to start with the pairing. He admitted that he would have been unlikely to do so in the Six Nations, but felt that Hastings has been playing so well this season that it made sense.

“Given Adam’s form we would like to give him a second start and we feel having Finn and Greig [Laidlaw] either side of him will help him a lot,” said Townsend. After damaging his ankle during an inspiring display against South Africa, Stuart Hogg is fit to play.

Up front, Josh Strauss’s comeback continues, with the Sale No8 in the starting line-up for the first time in 18 months. Strauss impressed when coming on early for Matt Fagerson against the Springboks, and his physicality will be key at the breakdown. Townsend has also named a whole new front row and, in the back row, Jamie Ritchie replaces Sam Skinner at blindside.

Scotland (v Argentina, Saturday 2.30pm, Murrayfield. Live on BBC One and BT Sport 2): Replacements