Van der Walt’s introduction is evidence of Scots’
GREGOR Townsend has hailed Scotland’s growing depth after selecting the fifth fly-half of the autumn series in debutant Jaco van der Walt.
The 26-year-old Edinburgh playmaker has completed his residency qualification and will make his Test debut against Ireland tomorrow.
The South Africa-born star follows Finn Russell, Adam Hastings, Stuart Hogg and Duncan Weir into Scotland’s 10 role in this Autumn Nations Cup campaign.
“It seems like we’ve got more depth, I think 36 players have played in this campaign and it will be three more this weekend,” said Townsend.
“So that’s a number in itself to say they have all played international rugby, and we’ve played pretty well in this period.
“We’ll have our fifth stand-off in five games this weekend, if you count Stuart Hogg’s 10 or 12 minutes at Llanelli at the beginning of this campaign.
“So I don’t think I would ever have thought that we could have had five stand-offs playing international rugby. So there’s growing depth. We certainly have depth in one or two positions and that’s very exciting to have as a coach. Second row for example, the depth there is really impressive.
“And we’re very aware that there are second rows playing very well outside of our group.
“So it’s growing, but ultimately you want the top 15, 23 and probably 30 to be at a very high
level. You want those two players challenging for each position to be up there with the best in the world, and we’re moving towards that. But I think certainly we can be better in that regard.”
Van der Walt is the latest residency qualifier to make his way into Scotland’s ranks, with Townsend happy to capitalise on greater selection numbers.
“Just getting used to international rugby will be a great experience for him, and getting used to playing with new teammates inside and outside him,” said Townsend.
“And just doing what he’s been doing really well for Edinburgh. This year and last year, he’s taken his game to another level. Defensively, he must be one of the best tackling standoffs in world rugby. His passing and his kicking is at a high level.
“And he’ll just be looking at ways to best influence a defence. And that will be just a little bit quicker at international level.
“But we’ve got real belief and faith in his ability and those around him to bring the best out of our backline and our team attack this weekend.”