FOUR players – Jonny Gray, Glen Young, Adam Hastings and Ross Thompson – have been added to Scotland’s Six Nations training squad ahead of Saturday’s round four clash against Italy in Rome.
Meanwhile Marshall Sykes, Nick Haining, Oli Kebble, Ollie Smith and Rufus McLean have all dropped out through injury.
Head coach Gregor Townsend is also waiting for the outcome of a disciplinary hearing to find out if Duhan van der Merwe will be available following his sending off for an attempted hand-off on Scotland squad-mate Kyle Rowe whilst playing for Worcester Warriors against London Irish on Saturday. The hearing is at 7pm on Tuesday..
It is time for Hogg to be dropped. He rarely makes a successful break, too frequently becomes isolated and is then jackalled. His support running seems to have disappeared and it is no coincidence that Exeter dropped him recently.
It looks as if Russell is also for the chop and he cant complain he has rarely provided any sparkle.
From starting the season with high expectations we are now (again) fighting for the wooden spoon trophy. I am always nervous when we are favourites. We are at our best when our backs are to the wall.
Defence was our greatest strength but we are now leaking tries so a kick up the whatsit might be required. Italy are no pushovers in Rome.
I noticed Hogg got the hook after about an hour on Sunday, having offered less than he would have wanted in the match.
His replacement, Cordero, came on and did nothing either. Despite the fact he’s generally a player who thrives on broken field, much like Hogg.
Suggests it was less Hogg failing to deliver. More the tactics and shape of their opponent limiting opportunity.
it could be that Kinghorn is starting on the wing but that doesn’t preclude him being back 10 in the match day 23, with another outside back or extra forward on the bench. So adding 2 stand offs to the squad making 4 in total isn’t shouting to me that anyone is dropped, more than one or two are doubtful fitness wise
Kinghorn at 12
Gory Hallelujah – Scotland’s two most reliable place kickers at last back on Toony’s RADAR. Obviously the electrician has been in. and fixed it. Young Adam straight to the bench for me, at very least considering Finn’s underperformance. Life without VDM would be interesting and Italy would not be the worst game to lose him and give others a chance. Knowing the coach, Kinghorn may well pop up on the wing should that happen and to be honest I wouldn’t complain because he is a big, elusive unit much to offer out wide. It’s just wouldn’t have him playing at 10 or 15 at test match level. The return of Jonny Gray is much welcome, although ionically the lineout has been one of our relative success stories so far.
I wonder why Vdm choose Worcester…
I see Kinghorn as a 10 now, Steyn to replace VDM (if required). Steyn has had a very funny recent Scotland career 4 tries v Tonga, then dropped completely….. I’d play Bayliss Darge Fagerson in the back row, Watson on at some point with something to prove. I’d also consider starting Vellacott, he is in excellent form and keeps the defence honest.
I’d like to predict the team,though I could be way off with it lol
Schoeman
Turner
Fagerson
Skinner
Gilchrist
Darge
Watson
Bradbury
Vellacott
Hastings
Graham
Johnson
Hutchinson
Kinghorn
Hogg
Dell
Ashman
Hodgson
Bayliss
Christie
Price
Thompson
Steyn (as he covers wing and centre).
My Prediction
Hogg – Steyn – Bennett – Lang – Graham – Kinghorn – Price – Fagerson – Watson – Darge – Gilchrist – Skinner – Fagerson – Turner – Schoeman
Tuipolotu – Hastings – White – Bradbury – Gray – Nel – McInally – Dell
Zander to play the full 80?
Looking like Kinghorn will be taking Vdm’s spot on the wing if he gets a ban,which, let’s face it, is more than likely. Hastings on the bench, also,a no-brainer but I’m pleased for Thompson even though I doubt he’ll make the match day squad.
Glen Young put in a terrific shift for Edinburgh on Friday night, this call up will encourage him further.
Looks like it might be an interesting selection for Italy. Bringing in Adam Hastings and Ross Thompson raises lots of questions. Will Kinghorn play on the wing instead of Duhan? Its good to see Gray back but who drops out if he starts. Is Fagerson fit to return at 8? Who is going to play in the centres, could it be Russell at 12 with Hastings at 10? Has Russell been dropped? Do we have any spare props? Is there enough time for any of the guys coming in to get fully up to speed and fit in to the team before selection in a couple of days time?
I’ve Skinner at 6. He gives us some extra bulk in the back row and another lineout option. Prefer to Bradbury who has had chances but doesn’t quite take them. Skinner to 6 and Gray comes onto boiler room.
Ps. Fagerson the younger at 8 if fit with Darge or Hamish at 7.