Six Nations debutant Turner: We can make waves at Twickenham
It’s been a whirlwind time for Scotland forward George Turner, both personally and professionally. The Glasgow Warriors player and his partner Madeleine welcomed new baby Lilly to the world three weeks ago. Turner then escaped from sleepless nights and changing nappies to join up with the national squad preparing for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash with England.
It promises to be a big day for the hooker who is poised to make his Six Nations debut at Twickenham.
With both Fraser Brown and Stuart Mcinally ruled out with neck injuries, Turner looks set to be thrust into the front line and is thrilled to be handed his chance at the age of 28.
“Playing in the tournament is big and playing against England away is even bigger,” he said. “I will try to take it as just another Scotland game and perform as best I can, it will be a great honour to be involved.”
Despite his lack of Six Nations game-time, Turner has been in and around the Scotland squad for a number of years.
He was called up for the 2016 Six Nations but had to wait until the following year to make his debut, coming on as a replacement against Samoa in the autumn series.
He was picked for Scotland’s summer tour of the Americas in 2018, and achieved the rare feat for a hooker of scoring a hat-trick in the win over Canada.
In fact, his strike-rate at Test level - six tries from 12 caps - would satisfy most wingers. It is even more impressive when you consider he has started only four of those dozen matches.
His last try came in the Autumn Nations Cup win over Italy in Florence last November, an important score which gave Scotland a cushion in the final few minutes.
He impressed Scotland coach Gregor Townsend that day but knows the Calcutta Cup is a step up in terms of pressure and expectation.
“It would obviously create waves if Scotland beat England at Twickenham,” Turner acknowledged. “We came close a couple of years ago. We feel we have the firepower to do it, but obviously have to apply it on the day.”
It is well documented that the Scots have not won at English rugby’s HQ since 1983 but Turner says the burden of expectation does weigh heavily on his shoulders.
“Maybe some players think differently, but personally I think about my game, think about the start, try to apply what we’ve been talking about during the week into the game and bring my best performance. No matter the occasion. I’m sure some others are the same.
“Some people might have it in the back of their mind, but when you get on to the field, you’re back to playing rugby and you do what you do.”
As the senior hooker in the squad, Turner has added responsibility this time around, particularly when the other three selected in his position - David Cherry, Grant Stewart and Ewan Ashman have only three caps among them. The Edinburgh-born forward says his rivals vying for the No 2 jersey may lack Test credentials but have been around the block a bit with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Sale Sharks, respectively.
“The other boys may not have much international experience, but they are experienced,” he said. “It is completely different this time, but I am just trying to treat this camp as normal and just work hard and talk up in the group.”
The bubble environment means the 35-man squad needs to get used to each other’s company pretty quickly. They are likely to stick together in the team hotel for the first two rounds of the Six Nations before returning to their families for a brief break after the Wales game at BT Murrayfield on February 13.
“A few of the boys have done a number of tours where it is three or four weeks at a time, so we are used to that, but it can be tough when you have a young family and I had a baby three weeks ago,” added Turner. “It is nice to be away as I get some sleep when I can, but after the Wales game we should get a couple of days back with the family.”
Family life is busy for Turner, with Lilly’s arrival meaning a baby sister for William and Campbell. He says he is trying to help out from afar.
“Everyone is well and healthy and it is going well,” he added. “There are plenty of Zoom calls as I try to help out, but at least I am getting sleep in the hotel, maybe feeling a bit guilty!”
Turner expects to feel nervous on Saturday but is confident his tried and trusted pre-match preparations will keep his emotions in check as he prepares to lock horns with the England hooker who is likely to be Jamie George.
“I usually am fine until the game comes around and it becomes more real when you are arriving at the stadium.
“I have never been to Twickenham, it will be a new experience, but we have our own set prep so I’ll just start getting through that and focus on what I need to do and we should be alright.
“I assume Jamie George will be playing, I have actually played against him once in a Warriors v Saracens game at Scotstoun and it was a really good game. He has a reputation as a great player, I am just going to play my best and try to match him.”
“Playing in the tournament is big and playing against England away is even bigger. I will try to take it as just another Scotland game and perform as bes ti can, it will be a great honour to be involved. It would create waves if Scotland beat England at Twickenham. We came close a couple of years ago. We feel we have the firepower to do it”
“A few of the boys have done a number of tours where it is three or four weeks at a time, so we are used to that, but it can be tough when you have a young family and I had a baby three weeks ago. it is nice to be away as I get some sleep when I can, but after the Wales game we should get a couple of days back with the family”