Russell out as Gray returns for Scotland’s Argentina opener

Finn Russell has been left out of Scotland’s opening Nations Championship match against Argentina in Cordoba as he continues his recovery from a calf problem. Tom Jordan will start at fly-half, while Jonny Gray comes back into the side after missing the Six Nations.

Gregor Townsend’s selection includes significant reshaping from the team that ended the Six Nations campaign against Ireland, with eight personnel changes in the starting XV. Fergus Burke is named among the replacements, giving Scotland another option at 10 if needed.

Gray’s return adds experience to the second row, where he is paired with Scott Cummings. Cummings and Pierre Schoeman are both set to reach 50 Scotland caps in the match, adding a milestone element to a demanding away fixture.

Russell may yet be involved later in the summer, with Scotland due to face South Africa in Pretoria on 11 July before playing Fiji at Murrayfield on 18 July. The Argentina match also carries a recent warning: Scotland have lost two of the past three meetings with the Pumas, including a November defeat after holding a large early lead.