There are plenty of plotlines running through Scotland’s year so far but after their scintillating season-ending 44-15 win in Argentina Gregor Townsend’s men look in excellent shape.
The squad that toured the Americas now rest but the national side fire back into action with Autumn Tests against Wales, Fiji, South Africa and Argentina in November.
Tickets for that series are available – here – in what promises to be a fascinating autumn as Townsend weaves together his successful Six Nations team with the youngsters that impressed on tour.
Back in the Spring the Scots produced a memorable Six Nations campaign with wins over England, France and Italy seeing them finish third in the table.
With the summer tour many of Townsend’s most experienced players were rested as squad development became a key aim for games against Canada, USA and Argentina.
The Canadians were swept aside and a tight game in Houston saw a youthful Scotland side pipped to the post by the United States.
That came before the resounding victory over Los Pumas in Resistencia, with scrum-half George Horne and Magnus Bradbury both on the scoresheet.
The physicality and potency in attack shown in the last game highlights strong foundations and November will provide the perfect opportunity for the youngsters to gain vital Test experience.
Townsend commented: “We took players that we believed could be part of the World Cup squad.
“Some of them might have to fight really hard and have a great season because they’re up against guys who are probably pencilled in to the World Cup squad if they play as well as they have in the last few years.
“Everyone knew this was an opportunity, the first opportunity in the next 12 months, to say: ‘pick me’.”
Six Scotland players made debuts throughout June and there have been 16 first caps already under Townsend’s tenure.
With the World Cup now just over a year away, the Autumn Tests provide the perfect opportunity to see Scotland’s plans progress.
