There are just 8 international matches left for Scotland’s finest to impress ahead of the British and Irish Lions’ tour to New Zealand – and the first batch of 3, in the shape of the Autumn Tests, are almost upon us. In the first of two articles, Kevin Millar takes a look at how the Scottish players can make an impact in the mind of those all important Lions’ selectors.
Full back – Stuart Hogg
Rivals include:
Mike Brown (Eng), Dave Kearney (Ire), Liam Williams (Wal), Leigh Halfpenny (Wal)
What does he need from the Autumn Tests?
More consistency under the high ball. Beyond that Hoggy just needs to keep doing what he does so well – terrifying the opposition when he gets the ball in his hands. His cover defence has improved immeasurably since the last Lions’ tour so if he can be solid when receiving kicks there won’t be many advantages his competition can hold over him. Oh and he should definitely make sure he’s not dropping the ball in the act of scoring…
Chances of travelling?
In the departure lounge.
Wing – Tommy Seymour
Rivals include:
Anthony Watson (Eng), Tommy Bowe (Ire), Hallam Amos (Wal)
What does he need from the Autumn Tests?
You Shall Not Pass, Gandalf style defence. His seven try burst to start the season has definitely caught the eye but if he wants to tour he’ll need to show his positioning and tackling is up to the task – there will be no hiding place against an All Blacks side that will be isolating Savea/Naholo/Dagg for a one-on-one with their opposite man on a regular basis.
Chances of travelling?
Should keep his passport handy.
Outside centre – Mark Bennett
Rivals include:
Jonathan Joseph (Eng), Jared Payne (Ire), Jonathan Davies (Wal)
What does he need from the Autumn Tests?
To reclaim the number 13 jersey for Scotland for starters. Beyond that he’s another, like Tommy Seymour, who needs to prove he can defend at the same sort of level as his extravagant attacking talents – memories of the Scottish midfield being ripped to shreds by Samoa in Newcastle will still be lingering.
Chances of travelling?
Keeping an eye on other players’ injury status.
Inside centre – Alex Dunbar
Rivals include:
Owen Farrell (Eng), Robbie Henshaw (Ire), Scott Williams (Wal)
What does he need from the Autumn Tests?
Consistent rugby under his belt. Eck has a great mix of skills for a 12 – he can run over people if necessary but he also has the footwork and (for the most part) the handling to vary his game. Having the flexibility and sufficient pace to defend at 13 will also stand in his favour. If he can show he is 100% fit and back to his best he surely won’t be far away from the selectors’ thoughts.
Chances of travelling?
Should keep his passport handy.
Wing – Sean Maitland
Rivals include:
Jack Nowell (Eng), Simon Zebo (Ire), George North (Wal)
What does he need from the Autumn Tests?
Tries. And a demonstration that he has the confidence to back himself 9 times out of 10. Sleepy Sean’s move to Saracens has definitely helped him rediscover some of his mojo after an essentially wasted season with London Irish. He has an almost preternatural instinct for positioning and is Scotland’s best under the high ball which could help him find favour with Warren Gatland. He’s also got Series Winning Lions Tourist on his CV, which helps.
Chances of travelling?
Should keep his passport handy.
Stand off – Finn Russell
Rivals include:
Owen Farrell (Eng), Jonny Sexton (Ire), Dan Biggar (Wal)
What does he need from the Autumn Tests?
To take charge. It’s a case of wresting some control of the Scotland backline away from “The Comfort Blanket”, Greig Laidlaw. The national side have been far too reliant on wee Greig and the Gallus One needs to be vocal and boss the back line – he has to show he can make the right decisions consistently if he is to have any chance of threatening selection in a congested position.
Chances of travelling?
Keeping an eye on other players’ injury status.
Scrum half – Greig Laidlaw
Rivals include:
Ben Youngs (Eng), Conor Murray (Ire), Rhys Webb (Wal)
What does he need from the Autumn Tests?
To continue being the “The Comfort Blanket”. It might not be the best for Scotland, potentially hampering their long-term development, but Greig continuing to be the main man at 9 / goal kicking / decision making / skippering and the rest of the team playing better when he’s on the pitch might persuade the Lions’ selectors that he could be influential Down Under.
Chances of travelling?
Should keep his passport handy.
Dark horse – Huw Jones
Huw looks like he as all the potential to be the next big thing for Scottish rugby. The Stormers’ midfielder has great feet, pace, distribution skills and knows his way to the try line. He doesn’t lack for power – but he may be slightly undersized for a Warren Gatland style centre. With his contract in South Africa coming to an end he has a big decision to make: to come North for a season that will tie in better with the Six Nations and increase his visibility for Lions’ selection. Or stick with Super Rugby and hope the quality of that competition stands him in good stead to be in contention for the tour to New Zealand.
Next up on Friday, I’ll take a look at Scotland’s forwards.