Scotland

Scotland have named three new faces in their 30 man-squad for their tour to Argentina next month.

Ben Cairns, the 22-year-old Edinburgh centre is joined by Glasgow Warriors duo, wing Thom Evans and prop Moray Low, both 23, in the squad for the two Tests against the losing semifinalists of last year's World Cup.

Elsewhere in the squad there is a recall after a prolonged injury absence for hooker Dougie Hall, while two extra backs and three additional forwards are still to be selected as the coaches examine final Magners League games this weekend and also monitor the recovery of players from injury.

"We are fully aware of the size of the challenge but it's one we're looking forward to," said Scotland coach Frank Hadden.

"Argentina have made enormous progress over the last ten years and thoroughly deserved to be ranked third best side in the world.

"We ran them close in the quarterfinal of the World Cup and we're fully committed to reversing that result in June," added Hadden.

Hadden will be assisted by European franchise coaches Sean Lineen (Glasgow Warriors) and Andy Robinson (Edinburgh Rugby), while the expertise of Mark Bitcon (strength and conditioning), Duncan Hodge (kicking) and Alan Tait (defence) will also be on hand.

Hadden noted that the selections of Cairns, Evans and Low was a reward for their form in the Magners League and also for their displays earlier in the season in the Scotland A victories over their Italian and Irish counterparts.

"I'm delighted that the bulk of this squad will be home-based players, which is a reflection on the recent form of both of our professional teams and the quality of the development work which has gone on in our country over a number of years," he said.

Mike Blair captains the tour party, his leadership having impressed Hadden since he took on the added responsibility in February.

"Experience is a precious quality at international level and we will look to Mike [Blair] and a number of our seasoned professionals to set the tone on this tour," Hadden said.

Scotland squad:

Backs: Chris Paterson (Gloucester), Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh Rugby), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Ben Cairns (Edinburgh Rugby), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Andrew Henderson (Glasgow Warriors), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby), Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors), Phil Godman (Edinburgh Rugby), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Mike Blair (captain, Edinburgh Rugby), plus two players who will be selected later this month.

Forwards: Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby), Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Northampton Saints), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Scott MacLeod (Llanelli Scarlets), Dave Callam (Edinburgh Rugby), Johnnie Beattie, John Barclay, Kelly Brown (all Glasgow Warriors), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh Rugby), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), plus three players who will be selected later this month.