SCOTLAND coach Vern Cotter today told his Glasgow Warriors contingent to brace themselves for a battering in the Autumn Internationals next month.

Cotter has named 17 Warriors stars - including uncapped Mark Bennett - in his 33-man squad for the matches against Argentina and New Zealand at Murrayfield and Tonga at Rugby Park.

But the Kiwi, who took over the running of the national team from Scott Johnson in the summer, reckons they will be in for a tough time against each of the visiting countries.

He said: "Argentina will offer us a very stern test, especially at the scrum. They have good variety and move the ball well from nine, through the middle of the paddock and out the back.

"The All Blacks have just won the Rugby Championship and are the best team in the world, so we'll have to be on our toes. They also have more variety in their kicking game, so covering space in the back field will be important.

"Defensively, we're going to get really tested, which is good because we want to show that our defence has improved. Tonga will be the final big test psychologically, having come through two big games.

"We want to develop, and impose, our style, will, and strategy on our opposition. We want to play well, and enjoy playing in front of our home crowd. It's essential we show maturity, mental strength and adaptability throughout the series."

Cotter has left out several established internationalists and there are no places for John Barclay, Kelly Brown, Jim Hamilton and Max Evans. Elsewhere, the Glasgow trio of Pat MacArthur, Peter Horne and Al Kellock were omitted.

The coach said: "These were very tough decisions. A lot of good people and good players have missed out. It goes to show the competition for places, especially at loose forward. All we can say to the players that have missed out is that they are one step away from being called back through injury.

"All they can do is prepare themselves as best as possible if we do get an injury. You never know. When they get the call-up they will have to play well and put pressure on to make sure of selection next time."

Meanwhile, Cotter has hailed Grant Gilchrist as a "born leader" after naming the 24-year-old Edinburgh lock as captain. Gilchrist skippered his country in the summer - including in a 21-19 victory over Argentina in Cordoba.

Cotter said: "You only have to meet him and talk to him to understand that he is a leader. People follow him.

"He likes making decisions, he likes being involved and creating outcomes. Even if he is only 24, he shows these qualities, I think he was born a leader and he gets the role."