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.
This story is from the February 7, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 7, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
