• Argentina v Scotland, Mar del Plata, June 19

Cusiter departs Scotland squad with knee injury

Chris Cusiter has dealt with his fair share of injuries © Getty Images

Enlarge

Scotland captain Chris Cusiter has been forced to return home from his side's tour of Argentina after he failed to recover from a knee injury.

Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Cusiter missed his side's 24-5 win over a Japan Select side in Edinburgh two weeks ago and the 24-16 first Test win in Tucuman on Saturday because of the injury but was hopeful of making the second Test in Mar del Plata this weekend.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson, however, confirmed that his first choice captain was not able to recover in time for selection.

"Chris trained yesterday with us but he did not come through," said Robinson. "It has been seven weeks since the last time he played a rugby match. After discussing this with him, we decided to send him back home."

Despite the loss of Cusiter, Robinson was impressed by the performances of Rory Lawson and Mike Blair during the victory in Tucuman, the Gloucester man starting before Blair replaced him in the 59th minute.

"I am happy with the way Rory played and the way he has trained so far. And I also liked how Mike played," said Robinson.

Glasgow lock Alastair Kellock is expected to captain the side again in the absence of Cusiter and prop Alasdair Dickinson is available after recovering from a stomach upset.

Despite his team's historic victory at the weekend, Robinson has called for Scotland to be more clinical in finishing off try scoring opportunities after relying on the boot of fly-half Dan Parks for all their points in the first Test.

"Saturday´s Test will be completely different," added Robinson. "The scoreboard starts at 0-0 again. It's a new referee, a new pitch, and I also expect a better performance by Argentina."

Scotland's victory was the first time their hosts had tasted defeat in Tucuman and Robinson is desperate to see his side create further history on Saturday.

"We have the opportunity to get back-to-back wins in Argentina, which not many teams have done."

Meanwhile, Argentina have made three changes to their squad ahead of Saturday's second Test.

Beagles Bordeaux winger Rafael Carballo, Tucuman RC second rower Santiago Guzman and Dax scrum-half Nicolas Vergallo join the squad.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.