Beattie urges Scots to stand up to Argy-bargy

Scotland rugby legend John Beattie believes the importance of the two-Test tour of Argentina cannot be underestimated.

There is also the chance for several of the Scots squad to use the two Tests against the Pumas in Tucuman tomorrow week and Mar del Plata a week later to make a breakthrough.

Beattie said: “This tour is massively important for a variety of reasons. We made some real progress in this year’s Six Nations 2011 and signed off with our first win in Ireland in 12 years – and we want to build on that.

“They gave us our only defeat in the Autumn International Series and the boys will go out there for revenge. For their part, the Argentinians will feel the same after we beat them in the second Test in Velez Sarsfield the last time we were over there.”

“Going forward, what is probably more important is that we are in the same Pool as the Pumas in the World Cup and, if we can get the better of them on their soil over these two Tests, it will give them something to think about.

Following the 24-5 midweek warm-up victory over Japan at Murrayfield, the former Scotland No.8 is also keen to see several of Robinson’s players lay down markers for next season against the aggressive Argies.

“Richie featured off the bench in the Six Nations, but I think he could do with starting one of the two Tests. With the World Cup just 14 months away, this has got to be the start of their build-up to really staking a claim for a starting jersey.

He said: “In midweek, the Glasgow duo of Richie Gray and Richie Vernon both had illness and injury problems but, if they are fit for the tour matches, this could be a very important couple of weeks for them.

 “Although I felt Graeme Morrison had a quiet start to the Six Nations, he really came through at the end with a big game against Ireland. I would love to see him back up two really big Test performances at centre against Argentina.

“Then, of course, there is Dan Parks, who was superb for us in the Six Nations and won three man-of-the-match awards. Now Dan has the chance to control two Tests in Argentina and that is the type of challenge he will be relishing at this stage in his career and in the type of form he is in.”

However, for Beattie there is one area of the impending double-header in which the Scots will do well to claim superiority.

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Italy V Wales Hospitality

Italy V France Hospitality