Finn Russell fails fitness race for Scotland's Nations Championship opener

Bristol’s Tom Jordan will start at fly-half for Scotland in their inaugural Nations Championship opener against Argentina in Cordoba on Saturday.

The versatile New Zealand-born 27-year-old, who can also play at full-back, steps in at number 10 in place of Finn Russell, who has not been included in Gregor Townsend’s match-day squad as he recovers from a calf injury.

Glasgow’s Kyle Rowe has been named at full-back, with Blair Kinghorn also rested following his appearance last Saturday for Toulouse in their Top 14 final win against Montpellier.

There is also a rare start in the centres for Northampton’s Rory Hutchinson, who partners captain Sione Tuipulotu in the continued absence of Huw Jones (foot).

Both Pierre Schoeman and Scott Cummings are set to earn their 50th caps.

Fixture

Nations Championship

Argentina

12:10

4 Jul 26

Scotland

All Stats and Data

Edinburgh’s South Africa-born prop Schoeman is joined in the front-row by Ewan Ashman and Elliot Millar Mills, while Glasgow’s Cummings will partner Jonny Gray in the second row, with Edinburgh’s Grant Gilchrist rested.

Backs – Kyle Rowe (Glasgow), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow) Rory Hutchinson (Northampton), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow), Tom Jordan (Bristol), Ben White (Toulon).

Forwards – Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Elliot Millar Mills (Northampton), Jonny Gray (Perpignan), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow), Rory Darge (Glasgow), Jack Dempsey (Toshiba Brave Lupus).

Replacements – Gregor Hiddleston, Rory Sutherland, Zander Fagerson, Alex Samuel, Gregor Brown, George Horne (all Glasgow), Fergus Burke (Saracens), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh).