Gregor Townsend has two big selection dilemmas ahead of Scotland’s first match with New Zealand in three years.
Glasgow Warriors forwards Zander Fagerson and Rory Darge are key players for the national side and have been battling to prove their readiness for Saturday’s clash at Murrayfield.
Both have been sidelined by injury, with Fagerson’s lay-off being particularly lengthy. He has not played since April 5, an absence of seven months, due to calf and knee problems. Darge has been out since September 26 after injuring his knee in Glasgow’s opening game of the new URC season.
The Scotland camp have been making positive noises about the pair but is Townsend prepared to throw them straight in against the All Blacks?
It would be a huge ask, particularly of Fagerson, but he is such a key player for Scotland. Rated as one of the best tighthead props in the world, his absence would be keenly felt against New Zealand. Darge is also a class act but the back row is a position of strength for Townsend’s team.
Here’s how I think they will line up on Saturday, with the coach expected to err on the side of caution:
9. Ben White
Jamie Dobie has been in superb form this season and George Horne has also shone but White appears to still be Townsend’s first choice scrum-half. White often has to play second fiddle to Baptiste Serin at his club, Toulon, but he has never let Scotland down and is a class act at nine. | SNS Group / SRU
10. Finn Russell
Having steered Bath to a Premiership and Challenge Cup double then piloted the Lions to a series victory in Australia, Russell is riding the crest of a wave. A first-ever Scotland victory over the All Blacks would be a nice addition to this, his annus mirabilis. | SNS Group / SRU
11. Duhan van der Merwe
Has 34 Test tries in 50 Scotland appearances and tends to rise to the big occasions. There is none bigger than the challenge Scotland face on Saturday. | SNS Group / SRU
12. Tom Jordan
Muscular centre has missed Bristol’s last three games through suspension after being sent off for a dangerous tackle against Exeter. Townsend must decide whether to bring him back or stick with Stafford McDowall. | SNS Group / SRU