Maitland: I must be at the top of my game

The 26-year-old has made just one GUINNESS PRO12 appearances this season because of injury, against Ulster in early October.

And as he prepares to take on Argentina this Saturday, Maitland says he must take his chances with the World Cup on the horizon next year.

"It's a World Cup year - the boys are excited to try and make the team at the end of the year, and it starts now," he told STV.

"Everyone is in competition with each other and that's only going to benefit Scotland.

"In the Rugby Championship they competed a lot, they tipped over Australia on home soil and we know what they're like as well from going over there in the summer.

"We know it's going to be a difficult game and they've got a lot of exciting backs. It's going to be tough."

After the clash against the Pumas, Scotland will face up to world champions New Zealand, and Tokoroa-born Maitland is chomping at the bit.

"I'll just need to wait for the next couple of weeks - I'm sure they'll go by just like that - it's really exciting," he added.

"I've got a few close mates in the team so hopefully they get the opportunity and I get the opportunity as well."

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