FIELD OF DREAMS OR SCREAMS?
JACO VAN DER WALT turned into a big kid taking in Scotland’s snow for the first time – but he’s loving not being frozen out like in South Africa.
The playmaker had never seen snow when he arrived at Edinburgh threeand-a-half months ago.
But the 24-year-old has managed to adapt to his surroundings with the help of a run of games as the Gunners have powered into the Pro14 play-off places.
Van der Walt, who is preparing to welcome Munster to Murrayfield on Friday, said: “I wasn’t used to the cold and wet but I had to put my mind to accepting it and adapting.
“I had never seen snow in my life first hand so I was like a big kid when some came. It was weird but really exciting.
“What has pleased me more than anything is the number of matches I have played – Munster will be my 10th. I have loved that because there was much more rotation of players in South Africa.
“I believe the more appearances the better you become. And in spite of the weather Edinburgh’s GLASGOW assistant coach Kenny Murray reckons Zander Fagerson faces a huge battle to break back into the Scotland front row.
The Warriors prop is set to make his first start in two months in Friday’s Pro14 trip to Ulster after injuring a foot in training.
Fagerson’s time out has seen him miss the first three Six Nations fixtures and Murray played down the 22-year-old’s chances of an immediate return to Gregor Townsend’s side against Ireland in Dublin in 10 days’ time.
He said: “Zander is looking pretty good after his appearance from the bench in Cork last week.
“Obviously it is up to Gregor whether he is recalled to the Scotland set-up. It would be harsh for anyone who played in the Calcutta Cup victory to be replaced.
“But we will see how Zander gets on against open and running style of rugby suits me. The culture here is very positive. The boys have welcomed me with open arms, which has been really nice. There is a brotherhood around us.
“If you are that close you will always back each other on and off the field, which is really important.”
That even extended to the day after last week’s 25-12 win over the Dragons when Scotland lifted the Calcutta Cup.
He said: “I sat with the boys and watched the game – I feel like I’m a Scottish guy now.
“It was an amazing win and the occasion created an awesome vibe.
“It was definitely easy to support the Scots against the English.” Ulster. He is a quality performer and will be there or thereabouts.
“But guys returning from injury have to find a way to get back in the team.”
Murray confirmed Test hooker Fraser Brown could figure in Glasgow’s Belfast plans in the wake of his concussion lay-off.
Centre Nick Grigg and lock Tim Swinson – who came off the Scotland bench against the English – will be back on Warriors duty on Friday as they look to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Munster.