Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has warned that it could take Blair Kinghorn some time to find his best form in his new position of stand-off, but is nonetheless confident that the Edinburgh player can have a major role in the undoing of Tonga on Saturday.
Townsend, whose England- and France-based players are unavailable for the match at Murrayfield as it is taking place outside of World Rugby’s international window, has named four uncapped players in his starting lineup with another four potential debutants on the bench. There is little doubt, however, that the selection at 10 of Kinghorn, normally a full-back, is the key decision.
Scotland crushed Italy in last season’s Six Nations when Stuart Hogg, also usually a full-back, played at 10. Kinghorn offers a similar physical threat, and, while praising the 24-year-old’s versatility, the head coach suggested that stand-off could be the position to bring out the best in him.
“Stuart did really well in that game,” Townsend said of his team’s 52-10 victory over the Italians back in March. “And if Blair goes as well as Stuart did that day, he will have had a good game.
“The kicking side: we know he’s got that ability, but putting that into playing 10 will take some time. Defensively too: we know he’s one of our best defenders on the wing given his pace, the size he is and his reads, but we know it’ll take a little while to get used to defending at first receiver.
“I certainly see him as a 10 with lots of potential. Blair feels it’s a real positive whether he ends up there for the long term or not, because he is much more engaged. I see Blair having the ability to play anywhere in that back line. Probably not 9, but you could see him step up at 13.”
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Glasgow wing Rufus McLean and centre Sione Tuipulotu are the two newcomers in the back division, while Edinburgh prop Pierre Schoeman and lock Jamie Hodgson make their debuts in the pack. The potential debutants on the bench are Warriors half-backs Jamie Dobie and Ross Thompson along with Edinburgh lock Marshall Sykes and openside Luke Crosbie.
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World 12s Rugby tournament potentially dealt terminal blow
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The proposed World 12s tournament has suffered a potentially terminal blow following opposition from unions and domestic competitions. Dubbed the Indian Premier League of rugby, organisers planned to launch the 12-a-side tournament next August in the hope that its franchise system, including a player auction, would entice new fans and money into the game.
But World Rugby has released a statement that appears to end hopes of it ever taking place after a report revealed that a letter written by stakeholders including the Gallagher Premiership and Top 14 outlined their objections.
“The game’s major stakeholders welcome innovative thinking that has the potential to enhance the sport, and new concepts are always given full consideration,” a World Rugby spokesperson said.
“World Rugby has reflected the views of national unions, international and domestic competitions to the group proposing World 12s and confirmed that stakeholders do not wish to explore the concept further at this time.
“This is a position endorsed by the World Rugby executive committee and professional game committee, which includes representatives from across the elite men’s and women’s game.
“The priority for the sport is advancing productive discussions regarding the establishment of a welfare-focused, streamlined and harmonious annual international calendar.” PA Media
The number of debutants may have been higher but for the ankle injury which has sidelined Glasgow openside Rory Darge for at least two weeks. The coach also revealed that Warriors lock Richie Gray decided he would be unavailable to face Tonga as he “didn’t feel he was in the right condition”.
Glasgow scrum-half Ali Price and Edinburgh blindside Jamie Ritchie have been named as co-captains.