Gregor Townsend believes several members of Scotland’s inexperienced squad can become “genuine contenders” for full international starts.
The Scotland manager has named five international players to play against Canada in the opening game of their summer tour on Saturday.
Edinburgh centre Matt Curry, Sale Shark duo, wing Aaron Reid and scrumhalf Gus Waugh, as well as lock Max Williamson and flanker Gregor Brown (both from Glasgow Warriors) are expected to start at Ottawa’s TD Place stadium.
Northampton Saints hooker Robbie Smith, Glasgow’s Nathan McBeath, Leicester Tigers’ Will Hird, Oyonnax’s Ewan Johnson and Edinburgh winger Ross McCann are all likely to make their Scotland debuts from the bench.
Rory Sutherland is the most experienced starter with 30 appearances, while back-rower Matt Fagerson (44 appearances) and versatile back Kyle Stein (19 appearances) provide experience off the bench.
All other players selected, including co-captain Luke Crosby (eight) and centre Stafford McDowall (twice), have fewer than nine caps for their country.
Scotland also play USA (July 12), Chile (July 20) and Uruguay (July 27), with the latter two games being broadcast live on BBC Scotland and iPlayer.
“When a player is first called up to the national team, I want to know what initially got them selected – their performance and their strengths,” Townsend said.
“When we were selecting this squad, one of the principles we had was, ‘Do we believe these players can play for us not only now but also in November and at the Six Nations?’ That’s the goal.
“There will be plenty of examples of players over the next few weeks who are taking their chances and becoming real contenders for the Test team that plays South Africa in November.”
