Scotland will play their second of four Nations Championship matches this weekend as Australia visit Murrayfield following the disappointment of last Saturday’s 43-21 defeat to New Zealand.
With two more fixtures to play after this one it’s likely that the coaching team will have to consider some rotation in key positions. There were also a few below-par performers from the All Blacks loss who could be at risk of losing their place as well as some tactical considerations.
Here is The Scotsman’s predicted starting XV and replacements for the fixture and where we think some of the potentially match defining selections could be made:
21. Ollie Leatherbarrow
Scotland opted for a 5-3 bench split last time but have gone with 6-2 in the past. The Newcastle number 8 needs to be tested against a top team this window so could make his debut on Sunday | SNS Group
22. Jamie Dobie
Dropping out of the starting XV means he can cover scrum half and wing from the bench which allows the Scots to add more forward to the replacements | SNS Group / SRU
23. Tom Jordan
Covers fly-half, centre and full-back with Dobie taking on the other backs positions and is accomplished in all three. | SNS Group / SRU