Nations Championship: Scotland face tough July Test

While the logistics and level of opposition make it a daunting tour for Scotland, it is a challenge they are relishing.

While England, Ireland, Wales and others have been fairly regular tourists to the southern hemisphere, Scotland has not.

The summer was mostly filled with development tours to North and South America, which allowed some players to take a break from the Test stage.

However, they haven’t given them the chance to develop the battle-hardened edge that can be achieved on trips to storied venues like Eden Park or Loftus.

Scotland have not played the Springboks on their home patch since 2014. They have never lost them on South African soil. Now they will be given a chance.

Argentina thrashed Murrayfield in November. Coming from 21-0 down to win. The last time Scotland visited there, in 2022, the Pumas won the series 2-1.

Physio beat Scotland in Suva Last summer, though, the visitors were missing several players on duty with the British and Irish Lions.

Townsend said that while he had enjoyed bringing players on previous tours, it was “not really about development”.

Scotland’s skill and depth could hardly be a tougher test. Only Grant Gilchrist and Blair Kinghorn have been given the summer off to rest.

“This summer for us feels like preparation for the World Cup with the top 10 nations, playing the top 10 nations,” Townsend said.

“That’s what we have to face as we approach the knockouts in the World Cup.

“We’ll develop through our games and gain our experience in our games. But it’s about putting out our best performances in those games and our best players will give us more opportunities to do that.”