Get Newsletter

Townsend explains decision to drop hat-trick hero

REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said dropping hat-trick scorer Blair Kinghorn to the bench had been a painful decision as he named his side to face Ireland in Saturday’s Six Nations match at Murrayfield.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kinghorn became the first Scotland player in 30 years to score a Championship treble when he ran in three tries during an opening 33-20 win at home to Italy last weekend.

But he now finds himself on the bench for the match, with Townsend restoring fit-again wing Sean Maitland to a now all British and Irish Lions back three also including full-back Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour.

Reigning champions Ireland saw their dreams of back-to-back Grand Slams scuppered with a 32-20 defeat by England in Dublin last week.

But Townsend, after announcing his team on Thursday, was adamant the Irish would provide Scotland with “probably the biggest challenge we’ll face in the Six Nations”.

And given that, he has decided to start with experienced Saracens wing Maitland, a veteran of 37 Tests.

But asked how hard it had been to drop Kinghorn to the bench, Townsend replied: “More difficult than what we planned it was going to be the week before.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“Blair’s performance did mean that we had an extended discussion that probably went on a second day, but we believe Tommy and Sean are best equipped for this game,” the former Scotland playmaker added.

Townsend has also made three changes to his pack, with prop Simon Berghan, yellow-carded against Italy, and back-row Josh Strauss starting in place of the injured Willem Nel (calf) and Sam Skinner (ankle) while Jonny Gray, fit following a shoulder problem, replaces the benched lock Ben Toolis.

Video Spacer

Ireland beat Scotland 28-8 in Dublin last season but their most recent visit to Murrayfield saw the Scots triumph 27-22 two years ago.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt defended his tactics after his side – who won 11 of their 12 Tests in 2018 – were accused of lacking a ‘Plan B’ after being overwhelmed physically and outplayed tactically by England.

“I’m not sure how they summarise Plan A, because I think we have a very varied game,” said Schmidt, whose team beat world champions New Zealand in November.

“We play strong off set-piece, we play a varied kicking game, we play with a varied attacking game. And we try to vary our defensive game.”

Schmidt has made several changes, notably recalling Rob Kearney at fullback.

Robbie Henshaw, a Lions centre who struggled at full-back against England, was omitted due to a dead leg, with centre Chris Farrell replacing the sidelined Garry Ringrose (hamstring).

In the pack, a revamped back-row sees Sean O’Brien and Jack Conan returning in place of Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander.

Quinn Roux, like Stander born in South Africa, comes into the second row in place of the injured Devin Toner.

AFP

RugbyPass has created a next-generation rugby rating system, based on machine learning and shaped by game-winning moments. The system (RPI) is a world first for its complexity and comprehensive embrace of northern and southern hemisphere players and teams. By using in-depth data analysis, RPI determines exactly what it takes to win, in real time. Explore the RPI now!

Join free

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Verblitz v Sungoliath | Full Match Replay

Stronger Than You Think | S2 Ep 2 | Lola Lovinfosse

Boks Office | Episode 9 | Six Nations Round 4 Review

Beyond 80 | Episode 4

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Who can truly be called the best rugby side in the world

Justin Marshall | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Sevens Challenger Montevideo - Day 3

Write A Comment