WHY are so many writing off Scotland’s Lions contenders?
THE TARTAN TALENTS HOPING TO EARN A CALL FROM GATLAND:
ANOTHER Six Nations is over. The big question now is which members of Vern Cotter’s Scotland squad have done enough to be selected by Lions head coach Warren Gatland for the three-match Test series against New Zealand this summer?
Some commentators have seemed keen to write off the chances of several Scottish contenders, particularly after the collapse against England at Twickenham.
But the fact remains that a significant number of men in dark blue have done their chances no harm at all with superb performances throughout the championship, which included victories over Ireland, Wales and Italy.
Gatland won’t name his squad until April 19, so the players face an anxious few weeks before finding out if they’ve made the trip.
Until then, Sportsmail looks at those Scots who are in with a shout and examines whether their Six Nations displays have improved or lessened their chances.
STUART HOGG (full-back)
The one Scot who remains a stick-on for Lions selection. Dodged a bullet when he had to go off injured after just 22 minutes of the mauling against England. Performed well in his other four matches, scoring two tries against Ireland and one against France. Also set up another three touchdowns with some top-class attacking performances. Never once looked shaky under the high ball, which has sometimes been a criticism, and looked strong in defence. Chance of selection: Very high
TOMMY SEYMOUR (winger)
Sixteen tries in 36 matches for Scotland — including one apiece against Wales and Italy in this Six Nations — is an impressive return. Has also been scoring tries at the highest level for his club, opening Glasgow’s account in the 43-0 European Champions Cup win away to Leicester. Defensively, among the best wingers around and continues to show great bravery under the high ball. Try-scoring pedigree has put him in the frame for Lions selection.
Chance of selection: Odds have improved from 50/50 before the Six Nations began.
FINN RUSSELL (fly-half)
Went from hero to villain and back again all in the space of one championship. Played well against Ireland and France but, against Wales, showed he can be world-class on his day. Game-management was spot-on and had a 100-per-cent kicking record, putting over two out of two conversions and five out of five penalties in a man-of-thematch performance. Came crashing back to earth in the defeat to England when he looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights in front of a watching Gatland. That Twickenham nightmare could come back to haunt him. Chance of selection: In the balance.
JONNY GRAY (second row)
Another whose growing reputation suffered in defeat to England. Prior to that, had been consistent rather than spectacular in this Six Nations, although many believe he would let no one down on a Lions tour. Made 57 carries during the tournament, more than any other Scot, but still wasn’t at his best. Losing the battle with England’s Joe Launchbury wasn’t in the script for the younger of the two Gray brothers. With Alun-Wyn Jones coming on to a game for Wales, albeit with fitness concerns, it’s no longer a certainty that Gray will be picked. Chances of selection: 50/50
RICHIE GRAY (second row)
Scotland’s best performer in the second row over the last few weeks. Mixed it up as best he could against England and was immense in the line-out against Wales and Ireland. Missed the Italy game through injury but that shouldn’t affect his selection chances for Lions tour.
The only thing that will count against him is that Gatland has an embarrassment of riches to pick from in this area. The fact that Gray has been in good form for Toulouse in the Top14 in France should help his case. Chances of selection: Slightly above average.
SEAN MAITLAND (winger)
Has done absolutely nothing in this Six Nations to suggest he should go to New Zealand, but could still be in with a shout based on past reputation. Gatland is a long-term admirer and surprised many by picking him for the 2013 tour to Australia. Went to the same school as Gatland, albeit many years apart, and knows Kiwi rugby from his six years with Canterbury Crusaders. Played in the win over Ireland, but was injured against France and, although fit enough to play against England and Italy, he wasn’t selected.
Chances of selection: With Gatland an admirer, can never be discounted.
TIM VISSER (winger)
The Dutch-born flier was struggling to get into the Scotland team before the Six Nations and certainly wasn’t in the mix for Lions selection, but has taken full advantage of the injury to Maitland that opened the door for him. Made a couple of good breaks against England and scored tries against Wales and Italy. Could be a dark horse for selection on the evidence of the last few weeks. Chances of selection: Outside chance.
ZANDER FAGERSON (tight-head prop)
Absolutely the find of the Six Nations for Scotland and has come from nowhere to stake a Lions claim. In the absence of WP Nel, he stepped up to the mark as first-choice tight-head for Cotter. Could follow in the footsteps of Stuart Hogg, who was the youngest member of the Lions squad aged 20. Even at 21, Fagerson could definitely make the Lions tour, because top-class operators in his position are hard to find. And this boy is top-class. Chances of selection: Has a real opportunity of making it.
HAMISH WATSON (openside flanker)
The best Scotland back-row player at this Six Nations. Very sharp at the breakdown and one of his team’s top tacklers, as well as being a feisty ball-carrier. Back row is another hotly-contested area for Gatland, but 25-year-old Edinburgh star Watson has the kind of hard, physical presence that could definitely see him make an impression on a gruelling tour of New Zealand.
Chances of selection: Has come from nowhere to be a real contender.
GREIG LAIDLAW (scrum-half)
Reliable with the boot before an ankle injury picked up during the defeat in Paris ruled him out of the rest of the tournament. Although he is up against Conor Murray of Ireland and Rhys Webb of Wales, he fits the bill as someone who could definitely be captain of the midweek team.
Chances of selection: Could squeeze in based on his performance against Ireland and his undoubted leadership skills.
HUW JONES (centre)
Regularly caught the eye during his first Six Nations but, alas, had to go off injured against Italy. His two tries against England would have impressed Gatland although he was caught out defensively, along with Alex Dunbar, for two of the opposition touchdowns at Twickenham.
Mentioned previously as a dark horse for the Lions, he is currently on crutches and will find out later this week if he needs surgery on a hamstring tendon tear. If he doesn’t, and recovers quickly, he could still be in with a shout.
Chances of selection: Injury permitting, could have played himself into contention.