Flanker MacDonald to make Scotland debut

Alan MacDonald was today handed his Scotland debut in Saturday’s final autumn international against Argentina as Andy Robinson made three changes from the historic win over Australia.

Flanker MacDonald, 24, has been rewarded for his performance for the A team against Tonga on Friday night, replacing John Barclay in the backrow.

The same applies to Edinburgh team-mate Ben Cairns, who comes in for Graeme Morrison at centre, and Glasgow wing Thom Evans, who replaces Simon Danielli.

Cairns’ recall sees Alex Grove switch from outside to inside centre, while co-captain Mike Blair has been ruled out with the ankle injury that saw him miss Scotland’s first win over the Wallabies for 27 years.

That means fellow scrumhalf Rory Lawson keeps his place on the bench after coming on against Australia for Chris Cusiter, who has recovered from a head knock.

Head coach Robinson said: “We do have competition for places and last weekend was about two international victories at Murrayfield against Australia and at Netherdale against Tonga.

“Australia was a very physical international and that is now history. This selection is about the management of our squad and giving players that performed in the A team an opportunity to deliver a win for Scotland.”

On MacDonald’s selection, Robinson added: “Alan MacDonald has been playing well for Scotland A. His continuity skills are very good and he deserves this chance.”

Scotland (v Argentina, Murrayfield, Saturday, 2.30):R Lamont (Toulon); S Lamont (Scarlets), A Grove (Worcester), B Cairns (Edinburgh), T Evans (Glasgow); P Godman (Edinburgh), C Cusiter (Glasgow, capt); A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), R Ford (Edinburgh), M Low (Glasgow), N Hines (Leinster), A Kellock (Glasgow), A Strokosch (Gloucester), A MacDonald (Edinburgh), J Beattie (Glasgow).

Replacements:D Hall (Glasgow), K Traynor (Edinburgh), J White (Clermont Auvergne), R Vernon (Glasgow), R Lawson (Gloucester), C Paterson (Edinburgh), N De Luca (Edinburgh).