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Rugby Union

Scotland name three new caps against Pumas

05/06/2008

Centre Ben Cairns, wing Thom Evans and lock Matt Mustchin are all set to make their Scotland debuts in the first Test against Argentina on Saturday.

Chris Paterson will also be making a landmark appearance as he equals Scott Murray's cap record when he makes his 87th Test appearance from full-back in Rosario.

Cairns, 22, has impressed for Edinburgh in the Magners League this season and will partner Glasgow's Graeme Morrison in the midfield.

Evans, 23, will play on the blindside wing, with 31-year-old Mustchin lining up alongside experienced campaigner Scott MacLeod in the second row.

Scotland head coach Frank Hadden said he has been considering his selection options "for the best part of two months" and said he has "picked a side to do what we need to do in such an important game".

On the new caps, Hadden added: "I've been tracking Ben Cairns since he was 17 as he looked like a future outside centre.

"He is very mature both on and off the field and has the ability to play his role so it brings out the best of those around about him.

"I spoke to Thom before the World Cup and told him that his whole season should be geared to getting on the plane to Argentina. He thoroughly deserves this opportunity as he's a very exciting talent.

"Matt is abrasive and combative - the sort of qualities that will be ideally suited to the forward battle with the Pumas this weekend."

Full Scotland team to play in first Test against Argentina:

15- Chris Paterson (Edinburgh)
14- Simon Danielli (Ulster)
13- Ben Cairns (Edinburgh)
12- Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors)
11- Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors)
10- Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors)
9- Mike Blair (Edinburgh captain)
1- Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)
2- Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
3- Euan Murray (Northampton Saints)
4- Matt Mustchin (Edinburgh)
5- Scott MacLeod (Llanelli Scarlets)
6- Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester)
7- Allister Hogg (Edinburgh)
8- Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors)

Replacements
16- Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors)
17- Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester)
18- Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors)
19- Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors)
20- Rory Lawson (Gloucester)
21- Phil Godman (Edinburgh)
22- Simon Webster (Edinburgh)