Dempsey to make first Scotland start against Argentina
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jack Dempsey is set to make his first start for Scotland after being named in the run-on XV to play Argentina at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Glasgow flank, a former Wallabies loose forward, took advantage of a recent change in world rugby’s eligibility rules to change allegiance and the back-row made his Scotland debut off the bench against his native Australia three weeks ago.
Dempsey’s inclusion in the starting XV, in place of the injured Hamish Watson, is one of two changes made by coach Gregor Townsend that kicked-off in last weekend’s agonising 23-31 loss to New Zealand in Edinburgh, with Scotland squandering an opportunity to record a first win over the All Blacks.
Jonny Gray replaces brother Richie in the second row after the latter was given a three-game ban for foul play against New Zealand.
Gifted flyhalf Finn Russell, recalled last week after his controversial omission from the initial end-of-year squad, has retained the No.10 shirt with Townsend making six changes to his bench.
Argentina are familiar foes for Scotland, the Pumas winning a three-match home series 2-1 after coming from 15 points down to triumph 34-31 in the third Test in July.
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ali Price, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Jamie Ritchie (captain), 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Jonny Gray, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Fraser Brown, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Jamie Bhatti, 18 Murphy Walker, 19 Glen Young, 20 Andy Christie, 21 Ben White, 22 Blair Kinghorn, 23 Cameron Redpath.
Date: Saturday, November 19
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 15.15 (15.15 GMT; 12.15 ART)
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England); Ian Tempest (England)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
