DAVID SOLE

A row has broken out over next Saturday’s international in Cardiff, when Scotland and Wales will play for the Doddie Weir Cup.

The game, which falls outside the usual international window for autumn internationals, has always been about money – with both the Welsh and Scottish Rugby Unions set to benefit from a healthy lump of cash.

However, in associating Doddie Weir’s name with the match, many assumed a proportion of that cash windfall would benefit Doddie’s Foundation that raises both cash and awareness for MND.

This doesn’t appear to be the case. The Welsh Union has indicated there will be a lot of activity to support Doddie and his Foundation around the match, including a dinner on the eve of the international.

But a donation to the charity looks unlikely from either governing body.

This is a shame, given Weir’s association with the trophy.

Even a modest contribution from both governing bodies would go a long way to assuaging the discontent being voiced around the fixture.

The game falling outside of the international window creates other challenges for Gregor Townsend, given that a number of his players will not be released by their clubs.

Instead, the Scotland XV will be made up of players from Edinburgh and Glasgow, both of whom enjoyed a resurgence as they won convincingly in their European matches last weekend.

Warren Gatland will also have to select from a domestically-based squad.

Townsend will not want a repeat of the team’s trip to Cardiff earlier in the year, for the Six Nations match.

Scotland were humbled by a fairly ordinary Welsh team – perhaps the expectations were too great after an excellent autumn campaign, but Scotland were far from their best.

So, in many regards, this is an opportunity to set the record straight.

Whoever is selected, Scotland should have a solid set piece, but they must be more competitive at the tackle if they are to win the match.

Townsend’s selections for the game in February were also curious.

He will have to begin with a new playmaker, given that Finn Russell will be playing in France. This burden will likely fall to Adam Hastings.

Similarly, Blair Kinghorn has big boots to fill at full-back with Stuart Hogg injured.

Scotland should respect Wales but not fear them – nor underestimate them as it seemed last time around.

They have a big opportunity to set down a marker and bring Doddie’s Cup home.

‘ Even a modest cash contribution would assuage discontent