Harlequins ace James could be in the frame for the Lang run
AS Gregor Townsend suggested immediately after the defeat to USA last week, the only positive was that it was the penultimate match of the tour.
The players don’t have time to dwell too long on the misery of the night but have to switch their attention to the task of trying to beat Argentina this week.
You can expect Townsend to go for a much more experienced side than he has done on tour so far, with the exception of James Lang, who did enough in his 45 minutes against Canada to suggest he may well get another go against the Pumas.
If so, it would be a remarkable rise for the Harlequins player. He may have been surprised by the initial contact from Townsend in March, having made plenty of appearance – albeit most of them from the bench – for his club.
“It was quite a surprise,” Lang said. “Townsend said they were looking at me and were liking what they were seeing. He said to keep up the good work and there could be an opportunity. I was getting quite a bit of game time with Quins, but more off the bench. I wasn’t really expecting to be selected but it was a nice surprise.
“Gregor also spoke to me about my position. I’ve started all three – 10, 12, and 15 – this year for Quins, but I think I’m here predominantly as a ball-playing 12, which is where I think I can really enhance my career, and I’m hopefully doing so. When they told me I was starting, I was thrilled – I couldn’t wait to get out there.
“On the day, Stuart Hogg presented me with my top in the changing room, and that was pretty class. Obviously I’ve got loads of respect for him – he’s a world-class player – and for him to do that was wicked. Singing the anthems was very special. My parents flew to Edmonton and were in the crowd, so it was wicked to share that moment with them.”