Scotland will play their second of four Nations Championship matches this weekend as Australia visit Murrayfield following the disappointment of last Saturday’s 43-21 defeat to New Zealand.
With two more fixtures to play after this one it’s likely that the coaching team will have to consider some rotation in key positions. There were also a few below-par performers from the All Blacks loss who could be at risk of losing their place as well as some tactical considerations.
Here is The Scotsman’s predicted starting XV and replacements for the fixture and where we think some of the potentially match defining selections could be made:
13. Rory Hutchinson
Huw Jones had a good individual game against New Zealand but the men outside him struggled to get involved. Having another distributor in the team could help the Scots exploit the width better against the Wallabies | SNS Group
14. Kyle Steyn
Had arguably one of his worst games in a Scotland shirt last time out but it was a rare blip from the usually exceptional winger who will be eager to put things right | SNS Group / SRU
15. Blair Kinghorn
His absence from the starting XV last weekend was a big selection call. Expect to see him return in the 15 jersey this weekend. | Getty Images
16. Gregor Hiddleston
Expected to once again take his spot as replacement hooker and could get a chance to start next weekend against Japan with Seb Stephen also waiting in the wings for an opportunity | SNS Group / SRU