MUST TRY HARDER
Scots’ end-of-championship report card reads well but there’s still work to do if we’re to rule the world
HYPE and expectation levels were noticeably low ahead of a Six Nations opener against england all those weeks ago.
Early February and eerily quiet, not even a dark horse tag to speak of from the experts who weighed up the title hopes of Gregor Townsend’s side.
But the flick of a switch, lights, camera, action and a Calcutta Cup triumph was delivered at the home of rugby, seeing the volume cranked up for weeks about a side capable of beating the very best.
It would prove to be a false dawn as defeats by France and Ireland took the wind from Scotland’s sails.
Record Sport looks at where this side sits ahead of this year’s World Cup and whether our ambitions are now backed by abilities.
PArTNerS IN CrIMe
A huge plus for Townsend has been the cementing of the relatively inexperienced midfield partnership of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.
The pair have been the driving force.
Tuipulotu is as dynamic a centre as there’s been on show during this Six Nations after his meteoric rise to become a crucial cog alongside Jones in ball-winning duties, carrying as well as bringing an attacking threat.
The Glasgow pair have complemented one another superbly and do much of the unseen dirty work. Jones, in particular, has been a selfless supporting runner, grabbing four crucial tries during this campaign, while both were at the forefront of that Twickenham triumph.
NOT SO GeNTle beN
Another relative newcomer but priceless find has been Ben White at scrumhalf, with this campaign seeing him flourish and make the No.9 jersey his.
Not only has the London Irish star shown try-scoring ability, it’s his consistency in the tackle and finding the room for his playmaking sidekick Finn Russell to pull the strings.
White has spoken of his role in making sure Russell is given quick ball and that increase in tempo has been the catalyst for the slick, attacking play on show from this Scotland side.
His ability to bring other players into the game and open up space for runners has delivered a clinical dimension to an approach that remains determined to play a fast brand of rugby.
IT’S NOT blAIr
It may seem harsh to pick faults in Blair Kinghorn’s three-try scoring display in Saturday’s victory over Italy but Russell’s deputy at stand-off doesn’t fit well into a playmaking role.
A lack of subtlety and precision, both in decision making and distribution with hand and boot, only served to highlight Russell’s invaluable role.
Kinghorn should only be a last-resort option in that No.10 position as his talents lie in using his running power with ball in hand.
And there appears to be an increased strength and confidence in the Edinburgh man’s make-up this season.
Replacing Stuart Hogg at full-back may appear to be sacrilege but Kinghorn’s form merits more of a chance in the back three as he’s grown into a genuine candidate for a start there.
IS GreGOr A GONer?
We may discover within the next few weeks whether Townsend is to sign an extension to his current deal, which is due to expire after the World Cup in France this September and October.
He was saying little on the subject on Saturday but knows he has options.
A move to a European club may hold strong appeal after being in post for six years plus following France.
If it’s to be a fond farewell, then it would surely have an adverse impact on the bonds formed within this group during his time in charge.
Players want stability and continuity is key. Knowing their boss would be heading off after the tournament would risk undoing the momentum built.
CHEMICAL BROTHERS
Jamie Ritchie spoke at the
weekend of a Scotland squad based on friendships, respect and a desire to fight for one another regardless.
That has been clear to see as an all for one and one for all approach has bonded togetherness, which has helped the team survive critical moments in games.
Moments such as the last period of the first half against the Welsh and the recovery from going 19-0 down to France in Paris, which ran Les Bleus close and reduced it a four-point game at one point.
You win nothing in sport without genuine solidarity and Scotland appear to have some new leaders, with Hogg and Russell no longer the huge influences they once were off the field.
That has helped the focus of the group and with Ritchie impressing after replacing Hogg as skipper, this does appear to be a band of brothers who believe they can take on the very best.
Licence to thriLL
A highlights package of this Six Nations would have Duhan van der Merwe and Kyle Steyn’s names up in lights.
The pair bring such flair and clinical finishing power, that Scotland’s attack looks like inflicting damage every time an opposition 22 is breached.
Van der Merwe has an eye for the drama of an occasion and his weaving try against England is as good as it gets at this level. He followed that with an acrobatic finish against the Azzurri, which defied gravity.
These two powerhouses can offer Scotland attacking hope both at the World Cup and beyond.
With Ritchie as skipper, this does appear to be a band of brothers who believe they can take on very best