Cotter’s so right... ten is magic number

VeRN COTTeR reckons as many as ten Scots could make this summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand.

Normally, such a prediction would be met with an all-round dismissal bordering on hilarity.

But while it is out of character for Cotter (below) to reveal his innermost thoughts, who can honestly argue with him?

Cotter has stopped short of drawing up a specific list but there is a growing number who will enhance their case with a strong Six Nations campaign.

Stuart hogg is guaranteed a place. he was just 19 years old, and the youngest, in the 2013 Lions squad for the tour of Australia and has matured in the four years since then.

Also looking out his passport will be Jonny Gray, who has been a colossus in the second row for Scotland and an inspirational captain for Glasgow Warriors. his brother Richie, although overshadowed in terms of Scotland performances by his younger sibling, is tearing down trees with Toulouse and deserves to be picked.

Tommy Seymour has never toured with the Lions, but has been the best finisher in northern hemisphere rugby this season. Although competition is strong for a place out wide, he has to be selected. Physical in defence and attack, solid under the ball, he is the perfect all-round winger.

Fly-half Finn Russell is likely to go up against Jonny Sexton when Scotland play Ireland in the Six Nations opener. The Irishman and england’s Owen Farrell will be fighting it out for the No10 jersey for the first Test against the All Blacks, but provided Russell puts up a good show against both, he should also be on the plane.

Captain Greig Laidlaw has never come close to Lions selection but this could be his year. Conor Murray of Ireland is likely to be first choice at No9 but Laidlaw would be perfect as midweek captain.

In the centre, Cotter has named Duncan Taylor, huw Jones and Alex Dunbar as contenders. Out of the three, Dunbar has to go. With Jamie Roberts out of form, the Scot could be the Lions battering ram in midfield.

Taylor is also a physical presence and Jones has played Super Rugby for the Stormers in South Africa, while scoring two tries on his first appearance in a Scotland jersey against Australia. A good Six Nations and Jones could also be there. Cotter’s first choice will be this column’s last — if only because the player in question is injured and will miss the Six Nations.

Tighthead WP Nel would have been among the first names on Warren Gatland’s squad list. But he has now missed all of the three autumn Tests and will miss the whole of the Six Nations with a neck injury. Gatland always said he would pick his squad on how players performed during the Six Nations. If he is true to his word, how can he pick Nel? If he does get himself fit, Gatland will have to make an exception.

And by the way, Vern. This column believes Sean Maitland also has a chance of selection. he is in top form for Saracens and a former Lions tourist under Gatland in 2013.

Yes, this could be a good year for the Lions from a Scottish point of view.