Scotland hand Jack Dempsey first start against Argentina

Dempsey is one of two changes to the team that began last weekend’s defeat by New Zealand

Anthony Brown
Thursday 17 November 2022 15:37 GMT
Comments
Jack Dempsey makes his first Scotland start this weekend (Jane Barlow/PA)
Jack Dempsey makes his first Scotland start this weekend (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Jack Dempsey will make his first Scotland start in Saturday’s Test against Argentina at BT Murrayfield.

The 28-year-old Glasgow flanker recently took advantage of a change in world rugby’s eligibility rules to switch his allegiance from Australia to Scotland and made his debut for Gregor Townsend’s team as a replacement against the nation of his birth in the first autumn Test three weeks ago.

Dempsey’s inclusion in the starting XV, in place of the injured Hamish Watson, is one of two changes to the team that began last weekend’s defeat by New Zealand.

The other tweak to the team sees Jonny Gray replacing brother Richie at lock after the latter was hit with a three-game ban for foul play against the All Blacks.

Finn Russell, who was recalled last week after his surprise omission from the initial autumn series squad, retains his place at number 10.

There are six changes to the bench, with George Turner, who missed out through injury last weekend, included among the replacements along with Jamie Bhatti, Murphy Walker, Glen Young, Andy Christie, and Cam Redpath.

Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, WP Nel and Mark Bennett, who were all substitutes against New Zealand, drop out the 23-man squad.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in