David sole on rugby

Three down, two to go and Scotland have still to really turn in an exceptional performance in this year’s Six Nations.

Last weekend’s victory in Rome was important in the context of Gregor Townsend’s future, but more importantly in relation to the squad’s confidence.

The irony was that Stuart Hogg’s men performed better against Ireland in their opening match yet still won.

So how have the team developed since the disastrous Rugby World Cup and what prospects do they have for their remaining two games?

Well there have been some very positive aspects. The tight five has shown that it has come on quite some distance.

One of the revelations is Zander Fagerson. The work- rate of the tighthead prop has never been in doubt. He is a strong carrier and tackles well and always seems to work hard to get into the game.

Up to now, his Achilles heel has been his scrummaging, but scrum coach Pieter de Villiers seems to have sorted that.

For me, Fagerson has been one of the stand- out players and is key to Scotland’s success in the future.

The back row has also been good. Granted, they had an easy ride in Rome because Italy were so poor at the breakdown, but Jamie Ritchie and Hamish Watson are a real handful.

‘ Scotland has exciting players, but Townsend is hesitant to select them

That Underhill and Curry were so quiet against Scotland is testament to the Edinburgh men’s contributions.

Elsewhere it has been pretty much business as usual. Stuart Hogg has shown his class and also his fallibilities – but anyone can make mistakes.

His leadership and decision-making seems sound and this will only mature as he develops into the role. What is lacking outside the scrum is creativity.

Townsend spoke before the World Cup of Scotland playing the fastest game around.

They were shamed by Japan in this regard as the hosts gave Scotland an object lesson in how to do this well – but having been shown up in Yokohama, Townsend seems to have withdrawn into his shell.

Yes, Scotland scored three tries against Italy, but they weren’t exactly spectacular team tries.

Instead, he seemed to take more from the Scottish defensive effort, which seems to have improved under a new defensive coach.

There can be no doubt that Scotland have exciting, attacking players who can break down and through defences. But the coach seems hesitant to select them.

Rory Hutchinson and George Horne both have the X factor, but rarely get enough playing time to show it.

In the final two games of the season, I hope Townsend is prepared to show a little more ambition in his selections and especially in his tactical approach, because watching Scotland this year has been painful at times.

Scottish rugby is in dire need of a lift.