SCOTLAND are staring down the barrel of Rugby World Cup exit – but a win over Tonga with a bonus point could change everything.
The Scots suffered a damming 18-3 defeat to defending champions South Africa in their opening encounter.
But Tonga's 59-16 loss to Six Nations holders Ireland was even more embarrassing.
And Gregor Townsend believes that his changes the team could be the difference maker – especially the fire power off the bench.
Townsend said: “We know this is a really important game for us so we’ve put as strong a team as we can to win it.
“The last 20 minutes are going to be important, so to have players like Darcy Graham, Huw Jones and George Horne coming off the bench will give us something different.”
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When is Scotland vs Tonga?
- Scotland's Rugby World Cup clash against Tonga is set to take place on Sunday, September 24.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 4:45pm BST.
- Stade de Nice is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 35,169 roaring fans.
- The Scots hammered Tonga 60-14 when the sides last met in 2021.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Scotland vs Tonga will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1
- Coverage is expected to commence from 4pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can also stream the entire match live on ITVX
- Alternatively, follow SunSport's blog for minute-by-minute coverage including pre-match and post-match reaction.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
Fans can watch Scotland vs Tonga for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
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What is the team news?
Scotland team: 15-Blair Kinghorn, 14-Kyle Steyn, 13-Chris Harris, 12-Sione Tuipulotu, 11-Duhan van der Merwe, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Ben White, 8-Jack Dempsey, 7-Rory Darge, 6-Jamie Ritchie (capt.), 5-Scott Cummings, 4-Richie Gray, 3-Zander Fagerson, 2-George Turner, 1-Rory Sutherland
Scotland replacements: 16-Ewan Ashman, 17- Pierre Schoeman, 18-WP Nel, 19-Sam Skinner, 20-Matt Fagerson, 21-George Horne, 22-Huw Jones, 23-Darcy Graham.
What is the latest odds?
- Scotland to win 1/25
- Draw 33/1
- Tonga to win 9/1
*Odds courtesy of William Hill are correct at time of publication
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