Rugby World Cup 2011: Lawson retains Scotland captaincy
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Rory Lawson has retained the Scotland captaincy for Sunday's World Cup Pool B match against Argentina, with Alastair Kellock left out of the line-up.
There are five changes to the side that beat Georgia, full-back Chris Paterson replacing Rory Lamont.
Stand-off Dan Parks makes way for Ruaridh Jackson and John Barclay comes in for Ross Rennie at open-side.
Geoff Cross replaces Euan Murray at tight-head and lock Richie Gray takes over from Nathan Hines.
Jim Hamilton retains his place in the second row at the expense of Kellock, with Hines dropping to the bench.
Parks, who kicked all of Scotland's points against Georgia, is listed among the replacements while Murray does not feature in Sunday matches because of his religious beliefs.
With Murray missing, Hamilton's strength is seen as vital against a powerful Argentina pack.
"Euan is our best scrummager, Euan is not playing in this game," explained head coach Andy Robinson.
"We'll need some real weight behind Geoff Cross on the right-hand side and that's what Jim Hamilton gives.
"I have picked a team to beat Argentina - the selection is simply about this match and we must view it as another match, while affording our opponents the respect they deserve.
"We have met Argentina five times since the last Rugby World Cup so we both know each others' styles and strengths.
"Of course we can draw confidence from our victories in Tucuman and Mar del Plata last year - just as Argentina will retain happy memories from their win at Murrayfield in 2009.
"I also believe that Argentina - as they have demonstrated already in the last two months - are a better team than we faced on their soil last year."
Scotland are seeking a sixth successive win on Sunday - a feat not achieved since the 1989-90 Grand Slam-winning season - and one which would ensure they maintain their record of progressing to the knockout stages at every World Cup.
Scotland: C Paterson; M Evans, N De Luca, G Morrison, S Lamont; R Jackson, R Lawson (capt); A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Cross, R Gray, J Hamilton, A Strokosch, J Barclay, K Brown.
Replacements: D Hall, A Dickinson, N Hines, R Vernon, M Blair, D Parks, S Danielli.
