Robbo - Competition the key

Robinson: three changes

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Scotland coach Andy Robinson reckons making changes to the side which shocked Australia highlights the competition for places that exists in his squad.

Robinson drafted in three players to his starting XV for Saturday's final autumn international against Argentina, handing a debut to Edinburgh flanker Alan MacDonald, as well as recalling Ben Cairns and Thom Evans.

MacDonald, 24, will start in place of John Barclay, who is rested following his fine defensive efforts against Fiji and the Wallabies.

MacDonald, Cairns and Evans have all been rewarded for their performances for the A team in Friday night's win over Tonga.

Robinson, looking to become the first Scotland boss to lead the side to a hat-trick of autumn international wins since 2002, said: "There is real competition for places and it would have been very easy for me to put another XV out.

"But I thought it was right to just make a couple of subtle changes and I think that really helped the team moving forward."

Exertions

It was telling Robinson singled out Glasgow flanker Barclay as missing out simply due to his recent exertions.

The head coach said: "I saw this as an opportunity to give Alan MacDonald a start. One, because he's been playing well for the A team, but also because of how John has performed - he has done well - and the punishment that he has taken."

Robinson revealed Cairns would have been in contention to start the opening November Test against Fiji had he not been struggling with a knee injury.

The Edinburgh star will earn his seventh cap at outside centre, with Alex Grove switching to the inside berth.

"In the back line, I just wanted to freshen it up a little bit with a bit of pace," Robinson said.

"Thom Evans brings that; he's the quickest player in the team.

"Ben Cairns has been playing well at 13, potentially would have started if he'd have been fit.

"He's got his fitness back, played in the A team game and did well.

"Alex has been the stand-out performer in the back line and he's really held the back line together with his defence, so we're looking at him playing at 12."