IN SQUAD WE TRUST
Dunc: Strength in depth boosting Scots now
DUNCAN TAYLOR insists the secret to Scotland’s recent upturn in fortunes is strength in depth and a fight for a jersey that has become a battle royale.
The Saracens centre is determined to cement his place in the side with an Autumn Nations Cup third-place play-off in Dublin on Saturday another test for Gregor Townsend’s revitalised squad.
Five wins on the spin ended with defeat to France two weeks ago but Taylor is convinced the challenge of pulling on the dark blue top and improvements at club level have lifted the squad to new heights.
He said: “We’ve probably got more players to pick from now than we’ve had in a long time.
“Edinburgh and Glasgow have also done really well over the past couple of years so that brings an element of belief into the camp.
“There’s no guarantee of anyone getting a jersey now, which is great for the squad and the performance side of things.
“As I’m getting older and the opportunities are going to become less, it makes the feeling of being involved even better and the feeling of not being involved even worse.
“Over the last year or two those emotions have got stronger for me. Being involved this autumn has been amazing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being back around the squad.”
The 31-year-old has given the thumbs up to a new competition that has allowed Scotland to play through a pandemic.
Taylor added: “It’s been a privilege for us to get out and train and play. We’ve been able to do what we love which has been great and I think everyone has been very grateful for the opportunity to play in this cup.
“Having finals at the end of it has given it a bit more of a competitive edge and it makes for a good tournament.
“I still feel I’ve got plenty more to give and I will give everything I’ve got over however long I’ve got left playing rugby.
“But I’ll just attack that on a weekly basis rather than looking too far into the future.
“I’m 31 and my time playing rugby won’t last forever so I ’m just embracing every opportunity I get, whether it’s training or playing. I try to enjoy it as much as I can.”
The Dublin clash will provide another gauge as to whether Scotland’s impressive form over recent months can continue gaining momentum.
And Taylor said: “Ireland are a great side, a side we’ve struggled to beat in the last few years, and I’d expect more of what they are great at.
“They’ ll bring a strong attacking game. They have a great defensive unit and some great individuals who can cause problems. So we’ll have to be on the money at the weekend.”