Cross was called up by Frank Hadden to replace Edinburgh team-mate Craig Smith after the veteran prop decided he needed a summer off to rest his body.

Cross has a reputation as an excellent scrummager and that will be tested by the much-vaunted Pumas pack.

He said: "Everything has moved fairly quickly since I was asked to go and see Frank Hadden while I was in the Murrayfield gym. I met Frank and the conversation lasted about 10 seconds.

"He asked me 'Would you like to go on the tour to Argentina?'. I said 'yes'. It didn't take too long for me to make my decision.

"Now I am training with the national squad only a couple of months after getting regular game-time at Edinburgh, so it is a very exciting time. It is a great position to be in and it is a great opportunity for me.

"I'm not pinching myself, but I'm pleased to be in the squad and I intend to work very hard to make the most of my chance.

"One thing often leads to another. Not everything that has led to my call-up has been under my control, but some things have; such as my performances in the last few games of the season."