QUESTION TIME
Fringe players get last chance to show if they can answer call for Townsend
ON a tour with so many big names left at home, the chances for lesser lights to state their case was of paramount importance to Scotland coach Gregor Townsend.
The opening thumping of Canada showed much promise but the disappointing reverse to the USA illustrated that this Scotland squad is very much a work in progress.
The pertinent question is how many more chances will Townsend offer these players?
It is more than likely he will revert to his trusted warriors for the autumn Test series — and almost certain that the big guns will return for the Six Nations.
So tomorrow’s game with Argentina is crucial for many of those who travelled on this tour in optimistic mood. Is it too strong to say that perhaps, just perhaps, they are entering the last-chance saloon?
The performances of those craving the No 9 jersey is a case in point.
Tomorrow, Townsend will start with George Horne while Sam Hidalgo-Clyne will hope to make an impact from the bench.
The absence of Greig Laidlaw, Henry Pyrgos and the loss of form, and injury, of Ali Price gave both a gilt-edged opportunity. The question is, have they taken it?
Hidalgo-Clyne started against Canada and came on against the USA in his first two games for Scotland since Townsend took over. Horne made his debut in the 30-29 loss to the Americans.
Townsend was impressed by the latter’s performance despite the disappointment of the result. He showed courage under pressure and in the tackle while his attacking ability was again noted by the Scotland backroom staff.
Townsend believes Horne has a maturity beyond his 23 years and his improvement has been marked. The Scotland head coach said from what he has seen on tour he is part of ‘our best XV’.
He talked of Horne having had an ‘outstanding year’ and added: ‘He has been consistent with what he has been producing. He works so hard. Every time he passes the ball he does it well.
‘His basics, like the height and speed of his passing, has improved. He has started the big games for Glasgow since Christmas and has played well in them.
‘His kicking has got better and better and he can improvise his kicks. He is a brave player as he has shown time and time again.’
Horne certainly deserves credit for the way he has forced himself into selection at both club and international level. He was named Glasgow Warriors Player of the Season and his club coach Dave Rennie believes he will return an improved player after touring with Scotland.
‘The rise of George this season has been impressive,’ said Rennie. ‘He had time at London Scottish that improved him no end. I have found him a fantastic, brave, young player. He can keep getting better and I’m sure he will.’
Hidalgo-Clyne, meanwhile, is craving new opportunities at club and international level. Moving to Scarlets from Edinburgh is perhaps the filip he needs to push on a career that looked to have stalled after a promising start.
Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac believes moving to the Welsh club can improve Hidalgo-Clyne’s international chances.
‘He is a fantastic player,’ said Pivac. ‘Every time he has played against us for Edinburgh he has caused us problems. He is a goal kicker and at a pinch he can play more than one position.’ The question is, however, has he brought enough? Or has Horne?
‘Sam did well against Canada,’ said Townsend. ‘He has done well on the tour. His game management is good and he has had a good tour so far. Both George and Sam have done well.’
Yes, but they could do better. They have to, as do many others if this tour is not to be seen as more about players playing themselves out of Townsend’s plans than into them. The Scotland coach knows returning home with just a win over Canada and two losses will be seen as failure.
That is why tomorrow’s clash with Argentina is so vital. He has picked what he feels is his best side and said: ‘The selection is based on our first two games that we looked at in isolation.
‘The logic was to play a lot of Edinburgh players against Canada as they finished their season early. In our second game there were more Glasgow players involved. Now we have gone back to what we feel is our best XV.’
Townsend wanted to have a look at hooker Fraser Brown at openside flanker and starts him in that position in Resistencia. It is a risk but Scotland are well served for hookers with McInally, George Turner and Ross Ford, who didn’t travel on the summer tour but is fit again.
‘Fraser is an excellent hooker and in competition with lots of excellent hookers, including our captain Stuart McInally who is back available for us this week,’ said Townsend.
‘We believe it is best for the team to keep Fraser on as long as possible at seven. He played No 7 last week when he came off the bench against the USA and did very well.’