Scrum-half Chris Cusiter has been ruled out of Saturday’s second Test match against Argentina in Mar del Plata through the persistent knee injury he sustained on Magners League duty last month.

The 52-times-capped Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) underwent a fitness test at the GEBA club in Buenos Aires yesterday but when it became clear he would not be fit enough to be considered for the match 22 for the second Test, it was decided that he should head home.

Cusiter was praised for his off-field contribution by Andy Robinson

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “Chris trained yesterday but was not really ready to perform in a Test match this weekend having been out for seven weeks.

“We knew it was going to be touch and go for him to be ready but part of the reason he came out here was that he would receive regular treatment.”

Cusiter left the team hotel in Buenos Aires this morning to catch the lunchtime flight back to the UK.

Robinson stressed that Cusiter had continued to deliver a strong leadership role off the field during the tour and praised both Rory Lawson, who started the first Test victory against the Pumas in Tucuman last weekend, and Mike Blair (who replaced Lawson at 9 in that game) for the manner in which they were going about their business.

Scotland will train this afternoon ahead of their team announcement at lunchtime (UK time) tomorrow.