Scotland v Tonga Preview – Autumn Internationals

It’s outside the official Test match window and not all of the top players are available, so this is an opportunity to see something new.

Scotland have eight uncapped players in their match squad, with four in the starting lineup.  Visitors Tonga, meanwhile, are picking players from all over Europe – with 22 of their wider squad across this spell coming from France – and have landed on eight uncapped figures too (six starting).

For some, this Scottish selection is delivering on a promise. In the summer the Scots were due to play Romania and Georgia, capping a caste of newbies along the way, to help build some depth. But the tour blew up, thanks to that dastardly pandemic. Now exciting stars are getting the go ahead. And some other form horses can run in.

If ever there was a match to try it out, it’s this one – okay, it’s hardly a renegade fixture as it’s sanctioned by World Rugby, but it’s outside Regulation 9 time, with some England and France-based stars missing and a Tongan outfit given odds of 30/1 to get a result in Edinburgh.

And while Tonga’s head coach Toutai Kefu was involved in selection here, he was unable to travel with the team to Europe as he continues his recovery from a violent attack by intruders in his home in Brisbane, Australia.

What’s the big team news?

Should we start with the big positional bits? Well, without Finn Russell and Adam Hastings, Scotland have picked Blair Kinghorn at fly-half (in all previous Tests, he has started or come off the bench as, a wing or full-back). And on the bench is the exciting prospect, Ross Thompson. Oh yeah, and Darcy Graham is at 15 too.

If it’s excitement you want, then newcomers Rufus McLean (wing) and Sione Tuipulotu (centre) have been running around like toddlers on a sugar high, with Glasgow.

Jamie Hodgson is also making his debut in the second row, alongside Rob Harley who is making quite the comeback. Up front, it’s a first showing for Pierre Schoeman.

As for Tonga, they have gone to the well in an out-of-window event and had to find some… interesting names. For example, the ‘Tongan Bear’ Loni Uhila is a sprightly 32 years old,  and he’s on his debut after being called up from Carqueiranne-Hyères. Fellow debutant Vaea Vaea, a centre, has a past in rugby league. And veteran Kurt Morath is steering the ship. The ten turns 37 on 13 November.

Glasgow fans will hope to see something spicy from their winger Walter Fifita who starts, alongside Fotu Lokotui, himself a former Warrior.

At least Tonga have opted to pick a captain – Sonatane Takulua. Scotland apparently couldn’t pick between Jamie Ritchie and Ali Price, so the pair will co-captain at Murrayfield.

What have the coaches said?

Gregor Townsend will look to continue his Scotland success (Getty Images)

What time does it kick off and is it on TV?

What are the line-ups?