Kinghorn treble gives Townsend happy dilemma

BLAIR KINGHORN admits scoring Scotland’s first-ever Six Nations hat-trick may not be enough to keep his place for next week’s showdown with Ireland.

The Edinburgh full-back was asked to stand in for injured Saracens wing Sean Maitland as Gregor Townsend’s team kicked off their campaign at home to Italy.

And the 22-year-old took to the unfamiliar role like a natural as he ran in three tries for Scotland’s first Championship treble since Iwan Tukalo achieved the feat in a Five Nations clash with Ireland back in 1989.

But with Maitland battling to shake off a hamstring strain, Kinghorn is not taking it for granted that he will be given the nod by Townsend to face an Irish outfit stung by their defeat to England when they visit Edinburgh next Saturday.

Kinghorn said: ‘It was awesome to score three times. I was just lucky to be on the receiving end of some great passing and a great kick from Finn Russell.

‘Is the jersey mine to keep now? No, not at all. It goes week by week. You just have to train hard week by week and if you get selected put your best foot forward.’

Scotland were quick out of the blocks. Playmaker Russell created the opener when he booted the ball straight into Kinghorn’s grasp for the opener after 12 minutes.

The make-shift winger had more to do for his second nine minutes later as Stuart Hogg’s pass landed at his feet but the pick-up and finish was impeccable.

Scotland took their foot off the gas for the rest of the first half but they were motoring once the second period got under way as Hogg got the faintest of touches to a Russell grubber to add try number three. Kinghorn wrapped up his treble and the bonus point after a brilliant run by Jamie Ritchie carved Italy apart, while substitute Chris Harris scored his maiden Test try.

However, some of the shine was taken from Scotland’s win as they allowed Guglielmo Palazzani, Edoardo Padovani and Angelo Esposito to score three tries in a sloppy final 10 minutes.

Townsend said: ‘Blair took his tries superbly. It makes selection next week that bit harder.’

Italy head coach Conor O’Shea said: ‘We’re doing everything we can to put in the foundations for a great future.’