EIGHT SCOTS WHO COULD MAKE THE LIONS ROAR
Sportsmail looks at how Six Nations stars have put themselves on Gatland’s radar...
On Six nations form, Scotland would be well represented on the Lions tour to South Africa in the summer of 2021.
Of course, that hasn’t always been the case, especially of late, with the last Scot to play in a Lions Test being Richie Gray, who came off the bench against Australia in the third and final match in 2013.
Here, we look at the main contenders based on their form in all four matches during this year’s truncated Six nations.
STUART HOGG (FULL-BACK)
With two Lions tours under his belt, he is a certainty to be picked by Warren Gatland. He would have been in the starting XV in the Test series against new Zealand in 2017 if he hadn’t picked up a facial injury before the first Test, which ruled him out of the rest of the tour.
named Scotland captain for the Six nations following the international retirement of John Barclay and Greig Laidlaw, he has handled the extra responsibility well.
Hogg is a strong character who quickly got over the most embarrassing moment of his career when he dropped the ball after passing the Ireland try line in the Six nations opener.
His try against Italy was typical Hogg. A lung-bursting run, a couple of defenders beaten and in at the corner. The sort of solo tries that can win games and his spark will be needed against the world champions next summer.
SEAN MAITLAND (WINGER)
Lions coach Gatland is a huge fan of the Scotland winger who he has picked for the last two tours.
At the age of 31, he remains at the top of his game with the Lions tour to South Africa next year set to be his final one.
He would deserve to go on present form, with his two tries in the win over France the highlight of his Six nations. With 15 tries in 48 international matches, he remains a class act.
RORY SUTHERLAND (PROP)
Before the Six nations, Rory Sutherland wasn’t even the best loosehead prop at his club Edinburgh, let alone Scotland.
Picked ahead of British and Irish Lion Allan Dell for the opening Six nations match against Ireland, he has gone on to start every single game in the tournament.
The big man from Hawick has arguably been the best all-round prop in this year’s Championship. He’s been solid at the scrum and has put in some vital tackles in open play.
On this form, he is definitely a strong Lions contender.
The nagging question is whether he can go on to show his performances haven’t been a flash in the pan? Such concern is valid as Edinburgh’s Darryl Marfo was hailed as a massive prospect when he played superbly at loosehead in his first three caps against Samoa, new Zealand and Australia in november 2017 before his form fell off a cliff and he never played for Scotland again.
HAMISH WATSON (FLANKER)
An injury in Scotland’s opening World Cup game against Ireland ruled him out of the rest of the tournament and he was badly missed.
He returned with a vengence in the Six nations with four top displays. The unsung hero of the Scottish pack was lightning fast to the breakdown and made some hard yards with ball in hand. A tenacious player who would have caught Gatland’s eye.
Others in the frame include Jonny Gray, who played in the losses against Ireland and England but missed the wins over Italy and France with a hand injury. Gatland has seen enough of him in the past to keep the second row firmly in his thoughts.
ZANDER FAGERSON (PROP)
The sort of snarling, in-your-face, frontrow forward, that will come in handy against the physical Springboks.
The real enforcer of the Scottish front row has never been far from the action in the Six nations. He has a habit of managing to rile the opposition and he doesn’t take a backward step when confronted.
He has taken over from WP nel as Scotland’s first-choice tighthead prop and is likely to get even better.
SCOTT CUMMINGS (LOCK)
There are more experienced second rows around but few with the allround game of the Glasgow Warriors lock. There was huge surprise when Gregor Townsend picked him for his World Cup squad ahead of Richie Gray but he has repaid him ever since with a string of top performances.
Whether Jonny Gray is fit or not, it is Cummings who now calls the Scotland line-out.
Like Fagerson, he has time on his side to get even better before the Lions tour South Africa.
JAMIE RITCHIE (FLANKER)
The pick of the Scotland pack during the Six nations has the potential to go on to be captain one day.
At the age of 23, he has time on his side to improve but he showed up superbly well during the tournament — especially in the thrilling victory over France when he was man of the match.
One of the fastest flankers around and on dry pitches in South Africa that will be an important attribute.
FINN RUSSELL (STAND-OFF)
Russell questioning head coach Gregor Townsend and refusing to play in the Six nations wouldn’t have gone down well with Gatland, who has a reputation as a strict disciplinarian. The Racing 92 fly-half may be world class on his day but he needs to make his peace with coach Townsend and play for his country again if he is to have any chance of representing the Lions next summer.