Thom Evans likened his debut for Scotland in Argentina to appearing in a gladiatorial arena and expects a similar game at Murrayfield.
Winger expecting gladiatorial encounter against Pumas
Thom Evans has likened his debut outing for Scotland in Argentina to appearing in a gladiatorial arena and expects more of the same in the upcoming showdown at Murrayfield.
The 24-year-old was given an intimidating introduction to Test rugby last year when he was pitched against a highly physical Pumas side at the Gigante de Arroyito Stadium in Rosario and the Glasgow winger is anticipating another tough match in the final autumn international.
"It was almost like one of those gladiators' arenas," said Evans, who will earn his eighth cap at the weekend.
"There was barbed wire round the pitch and the crowd were shaking against the fence.
"What I do remember from that game is that it was immensely physical.
"I'm expecting them to be just as physical this time; I'm ready for it and feel I've matured as a player a lot."
Axed
Evans was axed from the Scotland side for Andy Robinson's first two matches in charge against Fiji and Australia before receiving his recall and the winger believes he deserved to be omitted after a slow start to the season.
"I unfortunately didn't get on the scoresheet but Andy seemed to be impressed with the way I performed," said Evans.
"He always said to me it had been a tough call leaving me out for the first two games. But it was a decision I firmly stood by."
Following Scotland's impressive 9-8 victory over Australia, head coach Robinson is urging his team to focus on keeping the ball against the Pumas, and Evans has echoed his sentiments.
"If we don't get a good platform then we won't get any go forward whatsoever," he added.
"We've been working really hard on that and nailing that down so we can play a little bit more out wide."
Challenging
Argentina have won seven of their last eight meetings with Scotland without losing in Edinburgh since 1990 and captain Chris Cusiter has recognised it will be a challenging match.
"They finished third in the World Cup and came very close to beating England down at Twickenham," said Cusiter.
"Wales had a good game against them but I think they'll be desperate to get a win; nobody plays with more passion and emotion than the Argentineans.
"It's going to be a very tough game on Saturday."
