Rae and McCallum backed to fit the bill for depleted Scotland in Cardiff
GIVEN Scotland have not won in Cardiff since 2002, it is fair to say that it would be a tough place for anyone to make their international rugby debut. But two young Scots have been backed to stand up to the test if required next month. Uncapped tighthead props D’arcy Rae and Murray McCallum would be able to make the step up to Six Nations rugby if required amid the Scots’ injury and suspension crisis. That is the view of men who have helped 23-year-old Glasgow Warriors player Rae and 21-yearold Edinburgh man McCallum on their respective rugby journeys. With WP Nel, Zander Fagerson and Simon Berghan out, the duo look to be battling it out with Jon Welsh and maybe Moray Low for the No3 jersey when Scotland face Wales in the tournament opener on February 3. And while the more experienced Welsh may get the nod to start, one of the young players could find themselves asked to make an impact off the bench.
Calum Forrester, the respected Ayr head coach, played and coached Rae at the Millbrae club and said: ‘D’arcy’s first season in the senior squad at Ayr was my last year playing — D’arcy turned 18 around Christmas and played a lot at tighthead that season, helping to secure the league and cup Double and show a lot of early promise.
‘After signing professionally, he always affiliated with Ayr until the current season and brought a great deal of passion and effort when released back to the club who had helped develop him, as well as helping to coach the younger props around about him.
‘He is a passionate individual and, if he gets the opportunity with Scotland, he will thrive on being involved on the international stage. He is a solid scrummager and a dominant defender — it will be a challenge for him but one that he will take in his stride.’
Former Glasgow Warriors and Scotland ‘A’ prop Stuart Corsar coached McCallum during his spell at Aberdeen Grammar and said: ‘He would have only been 18 or 19 when he came up, but the first thing I noticed was his size. He was great shape for a tighthead and what impressed more was his attitude.
‘He wanted to learn, asked questions and he took on board what he was told.
‘Unlike some youngsters in his situation, he was down to earth and never expected anything, worked hard and kept his head down. When he played, our scrum was dominant and held its own. When he was unavailable, we really struggled.’