Rugby David Sole writes:
Warren Gatland announces his British & Irish Lions squad on Thursday and, for the first time in many years, there is an expectation that a significant number of Scots could feature.
Gatland has never selected more than three Scots on previous tours.
It was as long ago as 1993 that Scotland had seven Lions in the original selection, along with captain, Gavin Hastings.
Could the 2021 tour be one where a significant number of Scots board the plane to South Africa?
The front row is certainly somewhere that Scotland could have a representative or two.
Rory Sutherland had an impressive season last year, but perhaps wasn’t quite as impactful in his second season. However, he certainly has enough about him in the set-piece and loose play to offer.
Similarly, Zander Fagerson has come on in leaps and bounds, although competition for the tight-head slot is more competitive than on the other side of the scrum.
In the boiler-house, Jonny Gray should be in the mix. He too has developed hugely since moving to Exeter, and was consistently excellent in his Six Nations matches.
In the back row, Hamish Watson, the player of the Six Nations, should surely be selected, despite his size. He has proved frequently that he is a dynamic ball carrier and, even against physical opposition, isn’t any less effective.
Jamie Ritchie could be a dark horse for the tour, but will have suffered from missing a game or two.
The mercurial Finn Russell has to be on the plane.
On the hard grounds of South Africa, with great players alongside him, he should flourish, and would be my pick for the starting Test team at fly-half.
He would be especially effective with someone like Owen Farrell outside him, to provide a second kicking option.
It is a shame that Cameron Redpath was unable to play more than one game, as he could have forced his way into the reckoning. But Chris Harris was very solid all year for Scotland, and may have done enough to work his way into Gatland’s thoughts.
Of the back three, Stuart Hogg should be a definite test starter for the Lions.
It will be interesting to see if Gatland opts for the power of Duhan van der Merwe on the wing.
He is not the finished article but, again, could flourish on the hard, fast grounds in his homeland.
It would be disappointing if there were any fewer than five Scots.
My definite picks would be Gray, Watson, Russell, Van der Merwe and Hogg. Harris and Sutherland have an excellent chance of being on the plane as well.
The experience gained on tour would be invaluable to each player – and to Scotland.
We shall see on Thursday.