Rugby Union: Scotland turn to untried duo

SCOTLAND will introduce two uncapped players for the first Test against Argentina today in a match which their coach, Douglas Morgan, sees as vital in the side's preparation for next year's World Cup.

Kevin McKenzie, the 24-year- old hooker, and the winger, Craig Joiner, 20, have been selected as Scotland try to build on Tuesday's victory over Cordoba following a disappointing start to the tour.

'On the day the result is most important, especially for the folks back home,' Morgan said. 'But I'm also looking at the performance with a view towards the 1995 World Cup.' The Scotland coach, who has picked up the nickname 'Diego' during the tour, added: 'I keep telling some of the younger boys in the squad that first impressions are important. This is a chance for them to prove themselves.'

The Pumas, buoyant after beating the United States last Saturday in a World Cup qualifier, will fancy their chances of upsetting the tourists, who are without several key players including the Hastings brothers. Argentina's coach, Hector Mendez, has said that he will probably field the side who defeated the US Eagles in Long Beach, California.

'The Pumas are favourites since they're playing at home,' Morgan said. 'But if we play like we did against Cordoba, we'll win.'

SCOTLAND: M Dods (Gala); C Joiner (Melrose), I Jardine (Stirling County), G Shiel (Melrose), K Logan (Stirling County); G Townsend (Gala), B Redpath (Melrose); C Hogg (Melrose), I Smith (Gloucester), P Walton (Northampton); A Reed (Bath, capt), S Munro (GHK), P Burnell (London Scottish), K McKenzie (Stirling County), A Sharp (Bristol).

ARGENTINA (probable): S Meson; M Teran, D Cuesta Silva, M Loffreda (capt), G Jorge; G Del Castillo, N Fernandez Miranda; J Santamarina, C Viel Temperley, R Martin; P Sporleder, G Llanes, P Noriega, J J Angelillo, M Corral.