Scotland head coach Frank Hadden revealed how the summer trip to South America has taken on added importance with results counting towards the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
On Wednesday, Hadden announced his 30-man squad for the tour to Argentina where the Scots will play two Test matches, the first in Rosario on June 7 and a week later in Buenos Aires.
With world rankings going towards seedings for the next World Cup the Scots, currently ranked 10th in the world, are desperate to get into the top eight.
Thus, the Scotland boss is looking at the tour with a different mindset.
He said: “At first we thought about the tour being a Developmental Tour but that will not be the case any more.
“It suddenly increased the importance of the two Tests in Argentina.
“The last time we went on tour to South Africa we took only 26 players and a small management team.
“This time we are taking 30 players and a large management team.
“We have named a big squad and there is room for others to come in when injuries have cleared up and things like that.
“We also have three uncapped players: Ben Cairns, Thom Evans and Moray Low, who have been banging on the door for a while. But our main aim in Argentina is to win matches, as simple as that.”
Hadden revealed his men wasted no time in showing him they are keen to wear the dark blue in South America.
He added: “I sent a text to all the players informing them of their inclusion and within 10 minutes I had received replies from all of them.
“I was heartened by that and it shows just how determined they are to play for their country.
“Some of them will have been playing for 13 months by the time we tour.
“It is a great job being a professional player and they know what they have to do for their clubs but they are also ready when their country calls
“It is what it is, and we have to get on with it and it should be the same for Argentina.”
