Gregor Townsend dismisses concerns around Scotland players

Gregor Townsend dismissed any concerns about his Scotland internationals being left fatigued following a campaign elongated by the World Cup.

Several members of the squad currently preparing to play in their fourth and final match of the summer tour of the Americas against Uruguay in Montevideo on Saturday night were also involved in the pre-World Cup training camp that began 14 months ago.

Asked about the impact of a schedule built to accommodate the global showpiece in France last autumn, Townsend said: “This is what a season looks like when it’s a World Cup year, and it’s very similar when it’s a Lions year.

Bulls defense coach Jean Tiedt talks about his Varsity Cup experience

Bulls defense coach Jean Tiedt talks about his Varsity Cup experience

“Everyone was aware of that at the beginning of the season so players have had different rest periods. Some rested after the World Cup, some are obviously getting a break now so it’s not as if they’ve been training and playing without a break since that period last May.

“They’re very well managed in their clubs, particularly the guys based in Scotland, and what we’ve seen from them on this tour is a real freshness and sharpness.

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“We check the GPS regularly and players are hitting their top speeds, they’re working really hard to finish the season on a high. And often a change is as good as a rest, going on a tour when you’re going to new venues, like Uruguay this week, it does energise you.

“We’ve seen that energy and there’s also energy from young players coming into the camp and who have changed up the mood in the group as well, so, no, I don’t see any signs of fatigue but we know the players will have earned the break they’re going to get after this tour, for sure.”

Scotland have made 13 changes to the side that started last weekend’s 52-11 win over Chile as they go in search of a fourth consecutive tour victory against Uruguay, with Kyle Rowe and Ben Healy the only players to retain their place.

Huw Jones will win his 50th cap, while Duhan van der Merwe will have the opportunity to become Scotland’s record try-scorer after drawing level with Stuart Hogg on 27 following his touchdown against USA earlier this month.

Given that Scotland have not been pitted against top-tier nations this summer, Townsend has had greater scope to expose new players to the international scene.

“We didn’t choose this, the summer tour schedules are given to you and you’ve got to make the most of it,” he said of his side’s soft run of fixtures.

“Initially it was two games against Canada and America and we decided to extend that to make it a period where we could bring more players on tour and I believe we’ll get the benefits.

“We’re already getting the benefits of players playing Test rugby and realising how special it is and they’ll be hugely motivated to do it again, to be around the Test environment with the coaches we have here and particularly the Test players.

“It’s about growing our depth and we’ve had other challenges, such as going into games where your favourites, and so far the players have delivered very well on sticking to task and playing all the way to the end.”