Scotland coach expects to have a team of leaders

play against New Zealand two or three weeks ago, so that’s a team that’s been together for a long time, playing against some really good teams.

“They’ve got strengths all throughout their game, but attack is their biggest strength.”

Attack is normally one of Scotland’s biggest strengths, too, especially when Finn Russell is wearing the No. 10 jersey.

But the Racing 92 playmaker has been left out of the squad – purely for rugby reasons, according to Townsend – so success or failure for Scotland over the coming weeks could well be down to Blair Kinghorn.

The Edinburgh stand-off looks certain to start at 10 against the Wallabies ahead of Glasgow’s Ross Thompson, who has not played much so far this season due to injury.

Gloucester’s Adam Hastings has not been released by his club for the Australia game, as it takes place outside the international window. But he can expect to get game time in the later fixtures.

The fact that selection for Saturday will be restricted to Edinburgh and Warriors players means that Townsend will also be without Stuart Hogg.

The Exeter full-back has not regained the captaincy after sitting out the summer tour – that honour has gone to Jamie Ritchie – but Townsend hopes he will still make a major contribution both on and off the field.

“It’s important that as a coaching group we energise Stuart,” he added.

“Our aim is to get the best out of Stuart, and he will work very hard to achieve that. Getting the summer off, and having his knee operated on, should set him up for a massive 12 months.

“When I got dropped as captain, I was quite glad when Rob Wainwright came back from injury.

“I was only captain for two games for Scotland, and wasn’t ready for it.

“But picturing myself in Stuart’s shoes now, it would have been more disappointing if I had been there for a couple of years or more.

“So it will be a blow for him, but captains change a lot in groups, and in Scotland teams.

“The players won’t see it as a huge change, as we’ll be hoping Stuart speaks as much as the other leaders. Anyone in the team can speak if they feel it is right.”

Townsend’s team will also face Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina in the coming weeks.