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Exclusion of Hutchinson and co is evidence of genuine Scottish strength in depth
Fans are claiming positives about the depth of Scottish rugby in the wake of Gregor Townsend announcing his 31-man squad for the World Cup.
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There were some noticeable exclusions from the squad, namely Rory Hutchinson and Huw Jones in the centres and Matt Fagerson and Magnus Bradbury in the back row, which have vexed some fans.
Hutchinson’s omission has caused the most outrage on social media, despite the centre only earning three caps. He has already won over many Scotland fans, particularly after last season with Northampton, and his ability to play centre or fly-half makes him a popular figure. However, Pete Horne, who is equally versatile, has been picked ahead of him.
Fans are also shocked that Jones has failed to make the squad after being a focal point in Townsend’s teams so far during his tenure as head coach. Yet, while there are those that are not happy with these decisions, other fans are seeing the other side of the coin – that this selection is a sign of the alleged current strength in depth in Scottish rugby.
Some fans are saying this is the strongest squad in years, believing that Townsend must have had a real selection dilemma. In the case of the back row, while there are some players that are unlucky to miss out, the question would be who to drop to accommodate them.
Scotland were the only Six Nations country yet to confirm their World Cup squad but Gregor Townsend has now joined the party https://t.co/k3mMlY0ggz
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 3, 2019
There are always going to be certain players that different fans do not want in the squad, but on the whole, it is understandable why Townsend has opted for every player he picked. Horne may be a controversial call, but he is versatile, experienced and has been tested by Townsend in the past.
With Sam Johnson, Duncan Taylor and Chris Harris being the other centres in the squad, two good players were always going to miss out and some fans are enjoying the depth in that position. This is what has been said:
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https://twitter.com/RugbyCath/status/1168881743530799105?s=20
Strong looking squad ??
— Seaweed Muncher (@Seaweed_Muncher) September 3, 2019
Looks like a good squad we will do well this year hopefully!
— scottishbrother97 (@aarondove1997) September 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/Under_The_Frog/status/1168880917332598784?s=20
Cracking team!
All the best guys, we’re with you all the way.#AsOne— Lula (@LuLa7975) September 3, 2019
Like quite a lot of other people I am surprised that Rory Hutchinson isn't in the squad…but it's still a very strong squad! Our depth at centre right now is crazy! https://t.co/t7ItS17dsm
— Shona 🙂 (@Shona055) September 3, 2019
Would have gone for Hutchinson over Horne & Fagerson over Wilson but still the best squad for at least 15 years. Bring on Ireland!
— Clarkie (@DaveClark2000) September 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/Thehairyhaggis/status/1168884956535410688?s=20
Having only made his Scotland debut just over two weeks ago, the 23-year-old Hutchinson’s rise in popularity has been staggering. But his form for the Saints last season was sensational, making the shortlist for the Premiership discovery of the year award.
Hutchinson will no doubt be a reserve should an injury arise to someone in Japan, but this is one of a few players fans think should be part of the squad.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Pretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
3 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
3 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
3 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to commentsWill rugbypass tv be showing these games?
1 Go to commentsWell where do you start, the fact that England have a professional domestic league and Ireland’s is fully amatuer, that they have fully seperated professional squads at Fifteens and Sevens (7’s thinly disguised as GB), and Ireland have fully pro Sevens squad who loan some players back to the Semi-Professional Fifteens squad (moved from amateur for only a year or so) for a few games at 6N & RWC’s. The Women’s games is a shambles, and is at risk of killing itself by pushing for professionalism when the market isn’t really there to support it outside one or two countnries..
6 Go to commentsWayne Smith's input didn't have as much impact on the last final as Davison's red card for Thompson. England were 14 points up and flying when that happened.
6 Go to comments