Scotland v Argentina: Tommy Seymour targets crucial victory

Tommy Seymour has enjoyed a great start to the season with his club side Glasgow Warriors

Scotland are determined to use the autumn Tests to set a benchmark for next year's World Cup, according to winger Tommy Seymour.

Vern Cotter's side entertain Argentina in the first Test on Saturday.

"The main thing about this series is that we start performing as a team on a consistent level," said Seymour.

"We want the wins but what we need to focus on is putting in performances of a very high standard that we can be proud of, and set a benchmark on."

New Zealand and Tonga visit Scotland after the Pumas as the build up to next year's World Cup in England begins.

And Seymour revealed the players are relishing working under head coach Cotter, who takes charge of his first Tests on home soil.

"We want to go out in front of the home fans and put in performances they can really get behind," the Glasgow star said.

"It is a big year and we're not hiding away from that. It's a big year leading into the main event next year, but you've got to take it at small stages and this is a vital cog in the wheel.

"We want to express ourselves, put in great performances and play a brand of rugby that excites us.

"Every new coach is going to have his ideas and Vern has come in with a solid set of ideas, a way he wants us to play. He's been really good and the boys love working with him."

Argentina will take to the pitch at Murrayfield still buzzing from their 21-17 win over Australia in the Rugby Championship last month.

"Argentina are going to come over with a lot of confidence," added Seymour.

Centre Alex Dunbar is delighted that Scotland will be playing on a new surface at Murrayfield

"They played well in the Rugby Championship and maybe could have got a couple of more wins there. They finished up with a great win and they're going to be buoyed by that.

"The first match is vitally important. It's three games and if you put in a high level or performance in the first game it can translate into the rest of the series. I'd love to think we're favourites."

Saturday's match will be Scotland's first on the hybrid surface that was laid in the summer at Murrayfield.

The previous grass pitch was infested with parasitic worms and centre Alex Dunbar admitted it is a huge relief to be looking ahead to a game on the new surface.

"There's been a lot of change in the summer, mainly the pitch, and it's fantastic to play on something that's level," he said.

"The boys have really trained well this week and we're looking forward to training the rest of the week and going into the game."