SIX Ritchie return could be the key
SO MUCH has happened since Scotland opened their campaign with that epic triumph at Twickenham — and defeat when Ireland visit Murrayfield tomorrow would make those memories all the more distant. Here, Sportsmail columnist and former Scotland captain ANDY NICOL casts an eye over what is certain to be an enthralling encounter.
How much has any of the remaining momentum from the win at Twickenham been derailed by the combination of defeat to Wales, Covid chaos and a fallow week?
It has not been ideal, that’s for sure. But the month off will have allowed some players to freshen up and others to get some game-time. Both Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg played for their clubs last week but that is a good thing as they get better the more games they play. It keeps them sharp. The break will have allowed the coaching team to do a lot of work, with areas being looked at like maul defence, discipline at the breakdown and being more clinical in the opposition 22.
We’ve gone from winning in England and dreaming of a Grand Slam to sitting in our customary fifth spot. The importance of winning this match surely cannot be overstated...
This is a massive match for a number of reasons. Ireland have had the hex over Scotland for many years now and they have bullied us over the years. Yokohama was a horrible experience and we saw shades of that in the Autumn Nations Cup last December when they dominated Scotland up front and won with ease. I think Scotland have turned that corner but we will only find this out tomorrow. Remember, if Scotland win all their remaining games, we are right in the mix and could be competing for the Six Nations.
For all their recent superiority, Ireland arrive at Murrayfield with much to prove themselves following a poor campaign to date. It’s going to be a gruelling contest, isn’t it?
Ireland lost their first two games against Wales and France but they could so easily have won them both. The red card against Wales did for them and they just lacked a bit of adventure against France which could have seen them across the line. They had a convincing win in Rome and will have received a huge amount of confidence in scoring tries like they did. They have picked a good side and one that worries me a little but it will be interesting to see how they play the game. Will they try and play more expansively or will they revert to type and go for the direct physical approach that has served them well against Scotland over the years? The former would suit Scotland best.
Discipline is absolutely crucial for Scotland following another costly red card last time around…
Discipline is key. The Wales defeat highlighted the small margins that exist in rugby. If Zander Fagerson goes six inches lower into the contact, he doesn’t get a red. If Gary Graham gets to the ball a fraction of a second earlier, he wins a penalty rather than conceding one. Almost every penalty comes down to small margins and Scotland have to ensure they come out on the right side of this tomorrow. Jamie Ritchie being back will help this as he makes good decisions when to engage and when not to. John Barclay was excellent at this as well. Decision-making is not just for the half-backs; it is for all the team, especially at the breakdown.
Ritchie’s return is certainly very welcome. How do you see the rest of the side shaping up following Townsend’s team announcement yesterday?
The key decision is Sam Johnson at 12, with the ongoing injury to Cam Redpath. Johnson is a class act, works very well with Russell and brings a real physicality to the midfield which is always important playing against Ireland. The extended break will have helped Johnson, allowing him to work in greater detail with the squad and get right up to speed with the systems now being used. I was a bit worried when I saw Hogg leave the pitch last week with ice on his knee but it’s great that the skipper is fit to lead the team out again tomorrow.
If Finn Russell can put in a positive performance and outshine Johnny Sexton, it should put him in the box seat for a starting Lions jersey…
I think he is in the box seat already. He is the form standoff in the Six Nations and has the full game going on right now. His ability to play very flat and pass and kick under pressure is what separates him from the rest. He has already outplayed Owen Farrell and if he does the same to Johnny Sexton, then the Lions shirt is surely his.
How much of a concern is the prospect of playing three games within a fortnight, should the France game get the go-ahead for the end of March?
It is not just three games in a fortnight that is the problem. It is the fact they only have a six-day turnaround for each game. One day less doesn’t sound much but it means a lot when the games are so physically demanding. It means that not much heavy training can be done, which is fine if you are playing well and winning but not so great if you pick up injuries and need to make changes. The squad depth could well be tested as the short turnaround means that if any player fails a HIA in one game, then they will automatically miss the next match due to the return to play protocols.