For the 2013 and 2017 Lions tours Gatland was noticeably unimpressed with the credentials of potential Scottish candidates, scarcely bothering to pick any of them for his squads. Gatland’s Lions team have essentially been Ireland/England/Wales combos.
Well that will definitely change if the 2021 tour goes ahead in any shape or form. Yesterday was virtually a one-on-one job interview with Gatland for many of them. It couldn’t get more up close and personal, even in these socially distanced times.
There were Scots all over the field yesterday putting their hands up. Away wins against England count double, especially in Lions years. If you can tackle the English at their citadel you can take on the rest of the world. And as 11-6 wins go this was an absolute shellacking for England, I have never seen a team finish within five points of the winners, yet be so totally outplayed and outclassed. England were battered from start to finish.
There were some Scots who we already know plenty about such as Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell who not only underlined their claims but enhanced them massivley.
Hogg – one of the few from north of the border picked in 2013 and 2017 but injured on both tours – is much more consistent and less frenetic since he has found his home from home down in Exeter.
To these eyes he has also rediscovered those towering kicks – clearing and tactical – that marked him out in the early years. Both were in evidence yesterday. Captaincy suits him as well, he is more confident but less strident. Hogg is in his absolute pomp and a joy to watch in action.
Denne historien er fra February 7, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra February 7, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
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Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
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Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
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Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
