Gregor Townsend insists that his Scotland squad for the autumn internationals are based on 'consistency' as he makes some big calls on his latest group.
Stuart Hogg returns after being rested for the summer tour to Argentina but it won't be in his role as captain. Fly-half Finn Russell's up and down relationship with Townsend continues and although unavailable for the first match against Australia, which falls outside the Test window, is a surprise omission for the games against Fiji, New Zealand, and Argentina in November.
Hogg walked out prior to the Six Nations in 2020 and publicly criticised the coach's methods and after making up with each other, was dropped by Townsend from the starting line-up for 2021's Six Nations finale against Ireland days after going on an unauthorised night out at an Edinburgh bar with five other players. Jamie Ritchie is the new captain for Scotland, who play Australia a week on Saturday.
