Rapid Rufus set to be let off the leash against Tonga
SCOTLAND are poised to unleash the “electric” Rufus McLean on Test rugby on Saturday as they launch their four-match autumn series at Murrayfield against Tonga.
The 21-year-old Glasgow flyer is likely to be one of a clutch of debutants. He announced himself to the wider rugby world with a stunning solo try from his own 22 against the Dragons last March, two months after his senior debut.
The youngster has continued to impress in the early weeks of the new season, leading the URC for clean breaks and sitting second for metres made prior to this weekend.
“There are a number of things we love about his game,” said Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend. “He is electric and so hard to defend against, and his work in contact is unusually good for a young player, and a winger.
“His kick-chase really helps the team as well. He wins a lot of kicks back in the air and is comfortable taking re-starts. That is another part of his game which is now so important at international level. We have been really excited by how well he has played.”
Townsend believes McLean could potentially be the quickest player Scotland have ever had. Primarily a winger, McLean has also played full-back and could feature there against Tonga with Stuart Hogg unavailable and Blair Kinghorn now being considered at fly-half – having started the season there for Edinburgh – along with another exciting young Glasgow talent, Ross Thompson.
Thompson, 22, has started only 13 matches since his Warriors debut in January, but has already been hailed by Glasgow attack coach Nigel Carolan as a player who is “going to be world-class”.
With Finn Russell and Adam Hastings among ten France and England-based players unavailable, and another ten including locks Jonny Gray and Scott Cummings injured, opportunity looms large for a host of new faces.
Among them is Glasgow openside Rory Darge, who could start with Hamish Watson only returning to full training this week since the Lions tour.
Darge, 21, made his senior debut only a year ago for Edinburgh before switching to Glasgow this year. He started this season with a man-of-the-match display against Ulster and Townsend insists he would have no hesitation in handing him a Test bow.
“He has shown when he has played at a higher level that he has not only looked comfortable, but he has thrived at that level,” said the head coach. “That is a sign of a very good player.”
Melbourne-born centre Sione Tuipulotu, who qualifies via a Greenock grandmother, and Sharks flanker Dylan Richardson, whose father is Scottish, could also win first caps against Tonga, along with Edinburgh locks Marshall Sykes and Jamie Hodgson.
The last time Scotland faced Tonga in 2012, Andy Robinson resigned as head coach the next day following a humiliating 21-15 defeat in Aberdeen. Townsend is on a surer footing but will prime his side to expect a ferociously physical challenge as they prepare for Tests with Australia and South Africa.
“They’re very dangerous; they can score a try out of nothing and will be hugely motivated,” he added. “We’ll feel the hardness of their tackles. I’ve been on a tour to Tonga and I don’t think there’s a team in world rugby or a group of people who tackle harder than the Tongans.”