‘Forwards win matches, backs determine by how much’. So goes the saying, and after 10 tries in 3 games, let’s have a look at how the backs got on this autumn.
Ali Price made his Scotland bow against Georgia, and what an impact he had in his 7 minutes, setting up possibly the try of the autumn from a quick tap and go. Lots more to come from the young Warrior. Captain Greig Laidlaw gave us nothing new, with pinpoint kicking, general direction and control. A couple of wobbly moments and when the Argentina game descended into drudgery his pace of service followed, but I think this series proved just how important he is to managing the potential outside him. He can be really delighted with his, and the teams efforts.
With his place under no apparent threat from any of the other Scottish 10s (to the point where Vern doesn’t even bother to pick another in the squad) it would be easy for Finn Russell to slack off. Not so, with some inspired chip kicks, lovely distribution and some unnoticed big defence. We all expect so much of this young lad and at times he forces it a bit, but I would really hate for him to stop trying to make the creative plays.
How incredible is it that Mark Bennett is possibly 3rd choice at 13 after this series if everyone is fit? Huw Jones was outstanding in absolutely everything he did. The Edinburgh born centre scored 2 tries, created the vital equalizer against Argentina and was a rock in defence. My 1st choice for the 6 Nations if fit and available.
Alex Dunbar continues to make his way back to some of the form that had us waxing lyrical about him before his visit from the ‘Knee Fairy’. The perfect foil to our dynamic 13s, he also puts in outstanding work in defence, particularly at the breakdown. A good series but now must kick on at Glasgow. Pete Horne had the unfortunate scenario of being flattened for the Australian winning try, and it was a fairly quiet autumn from the bench, perhaps having come into the squad after an injury lay off. Still a great squad player and potentially next in line at 10. Mark Bennett, as mentioned above, got 60 minutes against Georgia and was solid, but as yet nowhere near his best. Another stint at Glasgow, recapturing form, is required.
Maitland continued his good Saracens form, scoring against both Argentina and Georgia. He had a couple of other opportunities, but it was a decent series in terms of finishing from Sean. He spent a good bit of time at first receiver against Georgia as well which was a turn up; he’s at his best when he goes looking for work. Tommy Seymour, meanwhile, is clearly our first choice wing. His defence went missing after 3 minutes against Georgia but he immediately made up for his error by dotting down at the other end. He works brilliantly with Finn Russell and if he continues to score tries he will definitely be in for Lions consideration.
Tim Visser is having a belter of a season down south, but the big man was up to his old defensive habits in the blue of Scotland. He really doesn’t seem to be able to translate his club form to international level, which is surprising given how good a start he had when he first qualified. Falling down the pecking order. Rory Hughes looks like a decent prospect, and he will have benefitted from a small taste of international rugby. Showed a cool head to fix his man for the Ali Price/Stuart Hogg try. A big lad as well, he should get plenty of game time for Glasgow before the 6 Nations. Damien Hoyland should also come into consideration depending how Edinburgh go.
Fullback Stuart Hogg just seems to get people off their seats every time he gets the ball. The full back was electric against Georgia, having been well attended to by Australia and Argentina. If we get him the ball in space we will cause any team on the planet problems as he demands so much attention in defence that mistakes are made or gaps open up for others, and he is a far more generous rugby player now at the ripe old age of 24. Two excellent tries, plus a peach of an assist for Seymour against Georgia. The only issue was his turnstile defence for the Argentina try, although better positioning from Maitland would have helped. If Gatland doesn’t hand him the 15 Lions shirt, then he has lost the plot.
Overall – a solid 8 out of 10 for the starters, plenty of options at centre and the halfbacks are really forming a solid partnership. Hogg, Seymour and AN other will make up the back three for Ireland in February; could this be where Duncan Taylor regains his place? There was still no game time for Henry Pyrgos, which has me thinking Vern has seen enough and for some reason doesn’t trust him to take over from Greig.
Predicted 6 Nations backs v Ireland (Assuming Fitness)
9 – Laidlaw
10 – Russell
11 – Seymour
12 – Dunbar
13 – Jones
14 – Taylor
15 – Hogg
21 – Price
22 – Horne
23 – Bennett