Townsend’s debutants have a point to prove before big guns return

With the English and French-based players absent, it’s a day of opportunity for Scotland’s up-andcoming home-based prospects to make their mark with the national side.

An eye-catching performance against Tonga could open the door to involvement in the bigger tests to come against Australia, South Africa and Japan.

It won’t be easy. It’s hard to recall when Scotland had so much strength in depth, and the return next week of Stuart Hogg, Finn Russell, Adam Hastings, Duhan van der Merwe, Chris Harris, Rory Sutherland and Huw Jones will make competition fierce for the Wallabies game a week tomorrow.

But Gregor Townsend has shown a willingness to give youth its chance. The average age of today’s side is 25.8 and only one player in the starting XV – Rob Harley – is over 30.

The head coach has picked four debutants to start against Tonga, with another four uncapped players among the subs. The new faces in the XV are:

SIONE TUIPULOTU

An outside centre with pace, power and creativity, Tuipulotu,24, isshapingup to be one of Danny Wilson’s best signings for Glasgow.

Born in Australia with Tongan heritage, he played for Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby before moving to Japan with Yamaha Jubilo.

A former member of Australia’s U-20 squad, he is now committed to Scotland for whom he qualifies through his Greenock-born grandmother, Jaqueline Thomson.

Townsend says: “He can be a real connector between the midfield and the back three.”

RUFUS MCLEAN

Glasgow’s 21-year-old winger has long been marked out for a big future due to his pace and ability, breaking through last season most notably with a world-class try against Dragons. Born in the US, he was raised in Melrose and schooled at Merchiston Castle after winning a tennis scholarship.

Townsend says: “Rufus makes things happen. He’s got real acceleration and evasion. But what we’re really impressed with is his work off the ball, his kick-chase is outstanding.”

PIERRE SCHOEMAN

The popular prop has taken his fitness levels to new heights this season and regularlyplaysthefull80foredinburgh. Qualifying through the three-year residency rule, the 27-year-old South African-born loosehead has embraced Edinburgh – the club and the city – and described his Scotland callup as a “dream come true”.

Townsend says: “Pierre is in really good physical shape. He’s lost a bit of weight and is involved more in attack and defence than we saw last season. He also brings set-piece power.”

JAMIE HODGSON

Livingston-born lock came through the ranks at Edinburgh, ex-coach Richard Cockerill memorably describing him last season as “not one of the rock star players” but praising his diligence and workrate. Will partner Harley today.

Townsend says: “We love Jamie’s attitude of getting up and knocking people down. He’s a really aggressive player, especially in his defence.”