GREGOR TOWNSEND believes that the close friendship which exists between Adam Hastings and Blair Kinghorn can help drive both players on in their battle to make the Scotland No 10 jersey their own as the build-up to next year’s World Cup gathers pace.
“They’re best mates, so as soon as the squad got announced before the start of this Autumn series, David Edge, our team manager, got a message from them both five minutes apart, each asking if they could share a room with the other,” the national team head coach revealed after adding Hastings to his starting XV and dropping Kinghorn to the bench for Saturday’s clash against Fiji at Murrayfield.
“When I spoke to Blair on Monday to tell him he wouldn’t be starting for this one I did say it will be interesting to see how the both of them get on this week. We don’t train on a Monday but they both grabbed Chris Paterson that day to go out and kick together. We see that [friendship] as a positive.
“They’re going to drive each other as they get on very well with each other. I’m sure they’ll both want to be starting although Blair can cover a few other positions too.”
Scotland v Fiji: six changes for hosts with Adam Hastings starting at 10
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Hastings will be part of an all-new Scottish midfield against Fiji, alongside fellow exiles (who were not available last weekend) Cam Redpath at inside-centre and Chris Harris at outside-centre, replacing Kinghorn, Sione Tuipulotu (both named on the bench) and Mark Bennett (out of the match-day squad altogether).
One of the big disappointments from last week’s narrow loss to the Wallabies was how little the home backline showed with ball in hand, and this looks like a better balanced triumvirate.
“Adam is a game manager who also has the ability to run whereas I’d say Blair is a runner-passer and is learning more on the game management side,” said Townsend. “Adam is playing regularly and very well for a team that’s going great in the English Premiership, and the way Gloucester have performed this year aligns a lot in attack with what we want to do with our team.
“Blair off the bench is also a positive thing – his running game, his pace, his passing, whether that’s at 10 or in a different position, can really cause damage in the last 20 minutes.
“Centres all bring their own strength but firstly you have to get the gain-line, you have to go forward and you have to defend well, then you bring anything else you have on top of that,” Townsend added. “With Cam, because he’s played at 10, he’s a link player and a kicker, whereas with Sione you have someone who is going to attack defenders.
“Having Cam and Chris together is a really good combination which suits the strengths of each other. Chris is a great defender and has really good running lines, while Cam is a more creative player and is very good post tackle, so I picture a scenario where Chris makes a good tackle and Cam is on the ball defensively, or Cam is creating something to put Chris through a hole. That is certainly how they have been training this week.”
The other backline change sees the vastly experienced Stuart Hogg (also unavailable last week) replace emerging star Ollie Smith at full-back, with Townsend praising the way the older man has responded to losing the captaincy.
“He’s been the loudest at training, he sits in the front row of our meetings, and he’s contributing a lot this week,” said the coach.”So that’s positive, because we know he has to manage his body all the time given the way he plays and the amount of rugby he’s played.
“Everytime he goes out to play you see that positive nature and he wants to put something on the ball. He’s always going to be a leader for us. Just focusing on being the rugby player and how he can help the team without all the other things, that’s our aim, to bring out the best in him.
“I think Ollie’s had two big opportunities against quality opposition in Argentina during the summer and Australia in his first Test on home soil last week, and he’s stood up very well. He hadn’t played much for Glasgow this season, just one game, and one Super6 game before that. So to do as well as he did is a real positive. He’ll get a lot now working with Hoggy; seeing how he operates and his all-round skillset. I’d imagine that’ll inspire him to get another start soon.”
Meanwhile, Townsend quashed rumours that the exiled Finn Russell is to be recalled to the squad ahead of next Sunday’s clash against New Zealand, providing a one-word answer – “No” – to a direct question on the subject.
He was, however, more expansive about the prospect Russell’s namesake, 20-year-old Northampton Saints stand-off Fin Smith, becoming part of the Scotland set-up.
“I have spoken to Fin a few times, prior to this summer and also over the last couple of months,” said the coach. “He got a bad injury in training so has not been available for his new club Northampton for the last couple of months.
“It has been great having conversations with him. He is a young man but he is very mature and understands the game and has very strong links to Gala, so that is always a good thing isn’t it?” added Townsend, who is, of course, a product of the Border town.
“We know there are a number of players, Cam Redpath for one, whose parents are Scottish. Fin’s parents are Scottish, his grandfather played for the Lions but he has come through the English system. He will maybe have to make a decision sooner than people think because he is a very good player. I am sure England will be after him as well.”
“He hadn’t played until last week so his focus will be with his new club and getting back playing again during the November Tests so I would imagine his conversion with us and England will continue after this Autumn period.
“It was just great seeing how well he played at the weekend given he’d been out for three months with a broken jaw. I see he’s starting again this weekend.”
Scotland (v Fiji at Murrayfield, Saturday @ 1pm): S Hogg; D Graham, C Harris (VC), C Redpath, D van der Merwe; A Hastings, A Price ; P Schoeman, G Turner, Z Fagerson, R Gray, G Gilchrist (VC), J Ritchie©, H Watson, M Fagerson. Substitutes: E Ashman, R Sutherland, M Walker, J Gray, J Dempsey, B White, B Kinghorn, S Tuipulotu.
Fiji: K Murimurivalu; S Tuicuvu, W Nayacalevu, K Ravouvou, V Habosi; V Botitu, F Lomani; E Mawi, S Matavesi, M Saulo, T Mayanavanua, R Rotuisolia, A Tuisue, L Botia, V Mata. Substitutes: T Ikanivere, L Natave, L Tagi, A Ratuniyara, K Kamikmaica, P Matawalu, T Tela, S Maqala.
Scotland v Fiji: six changes for hosts with Adam Hastings starting at 10
FR is now Racing’s 1st choice kicker. 91% success rate. He is a world class 10. AH is International class. None of our other 10s are International class. BK is developing into a valuable asset. A utility back allowing a 6-2 split at the RWC. There is much obfuscation around the issues between an average management and a world class player. This all seems to be obvious. It is unacceptable. Scottish rugby deserves better.
And the point I was making, George, is that if he was successful, no-one would be complaining. It’s moot, I know as I also think he’s painted himself into a corner and I seriously doubt he’ll pick Russell again while he’s in charge. A pity, but he picked him last year and the real Finn Russell didn’t show up. Everyone knows that a fully motivated FR is our best 10 but if he’s not on it there are other alternatives who’ll give 100% which is the point re Kinghorn or this week Hastings, both are excellent 10s, capable of everything good 10s should have but neither has FRs magic touches and neither should be blamed for that.
I think Townsend’s relationship with Russell is probably far more complicated than most players give credit for; yes, he’s had a falling out and now dropped him, but in all likelihood he was influential in ensuring he went on the last Lions tour ahead of Sexton or Ford. There’s obviously tension and a stark difference in temperaments but talk of some kind of vendetta is schoolgirl gossip.
Congratulations you are the first to suggest, erroneously, that I have a Gender identity problem. I agree it is a complex situation but how else do you consider the monosyllabic ‘No’, the derisory ‘out of form and condition’ or the fairly blatant ‘propaganda ‘they even go training when they don’t need to’ style of managing the situation?
Oxford Dictionary definition Vendetta “a prolonged bitter quarrel with or campaign against someone” seems applicable to me.
George Haley. Upper Sixth Prefect!
Good morning, Sorry to be negative to start with but we will have to differ slightly Hastings is, especially on present form, up to International standard Kinghorn has as yet to show me [although he did lots of good things] that he has parity with AH, but I would argue Russell even on an off day can offer up indecision in the opposition, ‘what’s he going to do’ I don’t think BK brings that particular aspect.
Townsend I agree will continue to do everything he can to justify ‘His way’ and I think in consequence cut of his nose to spite his face, the pity of that is his actions and stance is more divisive than selecting Russell and crucially is to the detriment of Scottish rugby.
Looking forward to the game, hope VC and Fiji get a good reception, its Rugby not Politics. No doubt the Offsideline will be ‘Buzzing’ from Three O’clock, if not before.
Townsend’s comments have become simply odious.
He overpraises good but not special players – what a psychology. If you are not on of the chosen ones how does that make you feel? What does it do for team spirit? He had nothing good to say about Hastings just a couple of month sago, now he is simply wonderful. Blair is a special talent, so he gets dropped??
Do you understand the meaning of the word odious?
Does Gregor really dislike Russell or does he just think he’s a player who needs to be dropped periodically?
He was dropped by Racing for a bit last season I think.
I dunno, Townsend doesn’t give me the impression of being consistent (and he wasn’t as a player) but as a fan it’s difficult to know.
It is good that Townsend has finally seen what the rest of the world already knew and brought in a proven goalkicker into the national side. The chopping and changing does however worry me. Hastings Junior was not taken on tour and now he is the starting ten, while Russell is still nowhere in sight despite his outstanding form. This kind of thing unsettles teams – and while the other nations were building consistency over their summer matches, the usual circles were being turned by ours. I note the comment by another poster that Toony doesn’t like Finn, but for goodness sake it is his job to pick the strongest side available and get the best out of them without pandering to his own bruised ego. Yes Russell is a handful, but he also has rare genius that any good coach would grab with both hands and gratefully extract. I feel sorry for Blair Kinghorn, for he has done nothing wrong other than not being blessed with a dependable goal-kicking boot. He was moved to stand-off from full back because he can’t tackle or catch to the required standard for a 15 either. Yet he does have silky skills and I hope he gets a run-out at some stage so as not to destroy his confidence. Not at 10, but perhaps on the wing – where we have little cover for VDM and Darcy – and his elusive qualities might wreak havoc with an opposition on the back foot. That would pave the way for Finn’s return, as we know should and must happen.
Hastings did not go on tour because he was injured,
Agree with everything you say George, Russell and Hastings are unquestionably the best 10s, GT simply dislikes Russell. Kinghorn is a good player but easily nullified (he is a does what it says on the tin player-capable of moments of magic but cannot control games, poor kicking is a real negative, his inclusion in any 23 takes the place of a reliable kicking option.
Re GT – petulant is a good word, for me the debacle of the last world cup summed him up, fastest rugby in the world!!!!! anyone with 1/2 a brain KNEW it was perfect for the opposition and sheer folly.
Oh it’s fun to be scottish 😄
John, while I totally agree that picking a proven goal kicker is a no brainer,your anti Kinghorn agenda is both hopelessly inaccurate and downright vindictive. His kicking from hand, running and passing were all top drawer on Saturday as they have been for Edinburgh every time I’ve watched him this season. He was described in the Australian press as magnificent and while I might not be that effusive regarding his display I am absolutely in no doubt he was one of our best performers. Therefore I challenge you to, (apart from goal kicking) highlight one piece of poor kicking from Saturday’s match.
I applaud the selection of Hastings but that’s because
a proven goal kicker is a prerequisite for any team, simples!
Also, in the interests of accuracy, Sonsie, Hastings was selected for the tour but didn’t travel due to injury.
I also agree with most things being said about Townsend but he was a law unto himself at Glasgow too and I don’t recall many complaints about him then, funny that, maybe the fact that he was successful there had something to do with it 🤨
No harm but I think ‘Top Drawer’ is a bit strong regarding an assessment of his performance, no need for hyperbole he played well, took his try well and in doing so possibly showed why so many of us suggest he is better in a different numbered Jersey, of course other views are available.
Then there is the Australian media: of course the Australians said he was ‘magnificent’ when your team put in a mediocre performance and in essence the opposition lost rather than you won of course you will portray them as magnificent, lets face it Scottish Rugby is well attuned to Australians who existed of flannel and BS.
As regards nobody complaining with Townsend at Glasgow perhaps there is a greater spotlight on Townsend’s character and man management in the more senior position.
Regarding Hastings, Townsend’s prodigal, anyone who saw his drop goal from inside his own half against London Irish would be a fool not to start with him, it’s just that I think Townsend is foolish to leave Russell out and not have both options in the squad.
Found an interesting club and country stats page on another site after reading so much about BK’s weaknesses. The good news, AH’s kick numbers have breached the 80% mark for Gloucester this year, but the previous three years for club and country have been probably average for an established international class kicker – in the mid to low 70s. BK has seen a significant improvement in his numbers for 2022 (75%) compared to a very mediocre 2021 (60%) when he just started kicking. Let’s hope he keeps improving. Defence probably fairly similar for both players.
The real stats star is Ross Thompson with kick and tackle stats in the mid to high 80s for both. Now if we thought he was a bit faster and could pass better,… : )
Stats, don’t you just luv em?
No harm but I think ‘Top Drawer’ is a bit strong regarding an assessment of his performance, no need for hyperbole he played well, took his try well and in doing so possibly showed why so many of us suggest he is better in a different numbered Jersey, of course other views are available.
Then there is the Australian media: of course the Australians said he was ‘magnificent’ when your team put in a mediocre performance and in essence the opposition lost rather than you won of course you will portray them as magnificent, lets face it Scottish Rugby is well attuned to Australians who existed of flannel and BS.
As regards nobody complaining with Townsend at Glasgow perhaps there is a greater spotlight on Townsend’s character and man management in the more senior position.
Regarding Hastings, Townsend’s prodigal, anyone who saw his drop goal from inside his own half against London Irish would be a fool not to start with him, it’s just that I think Townsend is foolish to leave Russell out and not have both options in the squad.
No disrespect, but I think ‘Top Drawer’ is a bit strong regarding an assessment of his performance, no need for hyperbole he played well, took his try well and in doing so possibly showed why so many of us suggest he is better in a different numbered Jersey, of course other views are available.
Then there is the Australian media: of course the Australians said he was ‘magnificent’ when your team put in a mediocre performance and in essence the opposition lost rather than you won of course you will portray them as magnificent, lets face it Scottish Rugby is well attuned to Australians who existed of flannel and BS.
As regards nobody complaining with Townsend at Glasgow perhaps there is a greater spotlight on Townsend’s character and man management in the more senior position.
Regarding Hastings, Townsend’s prodigal, anyone who saw his drop goal from inside his own half against London Irish would be a fool not to start with him, it’s just that I think Townsend is foolish to leave Russell out and not have both options in the squad.
His kicks to touch in the last 10 minutes last week were far from top drawer
Well a monosyllabic answer to the question of including Russell in the Autumn series with a one-word answer “No” it’s what most observers probably expected, especially as he is on record saying he doesn’t listen to opinion.
I do it my way, he wasn’t emulating Sinatra more like Dodson’s attitude of ‘my way or the highway, has he been infected with Dodson’s animosity toward the Russell’s? I would have liked to hear a follow up question enquiring about his inclusion in the 6N squad, because if Russell isn’t in that how can he possibly be in the World Cup Squad?
Townsend has already tied his colours to the mast with the comment “We don’t train on a Monday but they [Hastings and Kinghorn] both grabbed Chris Paterson that day to go out and kick together” – and the announcement of what great pals they are, ‘first on the phone to organise the rooming’ all that with the metaphorical comment of ‘how can we drop them for Russell’ almost sycophantic in its delivery. Those thoughts in no way reflect my opinion of either of them, it’s Townsend that is using them for his own purpose, and that is just as devious and unpalatable as saying Russell isn’t on ‘Form’.
I wouldn’t want anyone to think that I would select Russell at any cost but the obvious claim from GT that Russell isn’t fit and in form is derisory, if you are looking for an excuse for your bias at least make it a credible one.
The evidence is there that Townsend will do whatever he possibly can to keep Russell on the side-lines, and that in my opinion shows a pre-meditation, a malice aforethought if you like, and an attitude that shows a side to Townsend’s character that suggest petulance and spite. That isn’t what Scottish Rugby deserves.
Despite Townsend’s divisive petulance I will be supporting the lads for a win on Saturday and the following Saturday’s but any credibility he has had is wafer thin as far as I am concerned.
Other opinions are available but mainly in Roseburn Street.
Well put George, GT is now going on about the great harmony within the squad. I wonder how Adam feels now that GT has announced that him and Blair are best mates. I feel it’s really sad that GT is going out of his way to alienate Finn Russell.
It looks like we’ve seen the last of Russell!. Denying the the chance of the Scottish rugby support watching one of the few special players we produce is a disgrace G T , I think the press should challenge this regime more on behalve of supporters were not the best out of the players we have.
In the interests of proper balance, Robert – one also wonders what FR might have done better to harmonise with the National Coach!
– Ron Sutherland – Whilst I understand your point, yes it is a two way thing, but perhaps if Townsend didn’t make it so obvious then perhaps that would leave at least the opportunity to make amends, it’s GT’s job to get the best team on ‘the paddock’ as they say, and he isn’t. We’ve just seen Townsend using the media with the ‘best mates’ ‘even go training when they don’t need to’ propaganda I don’t think anyone has had an interview with Russell and GT getting criticised.
I do agree all the staged photo shoots and psychological plays by GT are all verY banal eg best pals comments and we are all really happy etc etc, and the wonderful chats I’ve had with Fin Smith. It’s all like O level psychology to teach someone a lesson.
Anyway good to see Hastings getting a shot at 10 despite not being as good as BK, and I do like the skills of Redpath.