Former Wallaby Dempsey en route to face old team
SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallaby Jack Dempsey is well on his way to facing his old team as he seems to be recovering well from a rib injury and could make his debut for Scotland against Australia at Murrayfield.
Although Dempsey has been out of action since the beginning of the month due the rib injury he sustained in a match for the Glasgow Warriors against Ospreys, he managed to finish a full training session on Tuesday.
Steve Tandy, defence coach for the Scots, believes that the 28-year-old Dempsey will not disappoint should he get the nod come the team announcement. The pair know each other well having worked together in Sydney previously.
Admitting it would be “some story” if Dempsey was to make his Scotland debut against the country of his birth after making the switch through World Rugby’s new international eligibility rules, Tandy tipped his old charge to cope with the limelight admirably.
“These events are massive and for Jack it will be maybe a little bit bigger than normal, but he’s played in big games before, and I think his form has been outstanding,” said Tandy.
“Jack was just great to work with. Really engaging and just a really good rugby player. He’s been unbelievable for Glasgow and in the way he’s really taken to rugby in this hemisphere.
“He’s explosive and powerful so we’re really happy to have him part of our group.
In other news from the Scotland camp, Blair Kinghorn looks set to inherit the Scotland No.10 shirt from the mercurial Finn Russell for the Wallabies clash.
Kinghorn, a newly converted flyhalf, is supported by his Edinburgh teammate Grant Gilchris, whot said: “I see Blair day in and day out, and I see the growth in his game at 10. He’s one of the most influential players and characters in our squad at Edinburgh.
“We rely on him heavily and I know what he can bring. I’ve no doubt in his ability to lead the attack and boss the game as a 10. His ability speaks for itself.”
Scotland have won their last three meetings with Australia, including a 15-13 victory at Murrayfield last November, but Gilchrist warned: “I’m sure they’ll be gunning for us.
“That feeling of they owe us one, we have to make sure we’re ready for that. We’ve had exceptional performances against them but they’re a top-class team with top-class coaches.
“We’re under no illusions – it has to be our best performance.”
