Gregor Townsend knows the Scots likely to get calls to join the British and Irish Lions if injuries befall then in New Zealand – and they’ll go with new Scotland head coach’s full blessing.
In their final week of camp at St Andrews before they go to Singapore, Sydney and Fiji on their own summer tour, the Scots already know that “certain guys” are on the cusp of a call-up to the Lions should they be required.
“I spoke to Warren Gatland and I got feedback on players who missed out on selection,” said Tonwsend. “Where certain guys were close to selection and how things would work on tour if there were call-ups.
“It was a very positive discussion and I have a good idea the players who are in the frame.”
Would that include skipper John Barclay, thought to have been close to selection when Billy Vunipola pulled out last week before James Haskell was called up?
“If it was it would be great,” he said. “We would be keen for John to play and be available for us but if he goes to the Lions he will go with our blessing, just like Greig (Laidlaw).”
Townsend has spoken to Laidlaw, Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour and knows the Lions team that will start the tour on Saturday but “I can’t share that with you”.
“I will try to speak to them before the weekend as well, and they seem to have enjoyed the first couple of weeks of training,” he added.
Townsend has his own experiences of Lions tours – and disappointments – but it all framed his career as it progressed.
“In 1997 I did come back a better player but then had a terrible season!” he said.
“Adjusting to the season after the Lions is difficult with the mental and physical strain you take.
“Stuart has been through that four years ago, so he will be more accustomed to it. Tommy and Greig and all the others who are called up, it will be a challenge.
“As a rugby learning experience it’s unmatched. You are training with different people, better people in some cases. It is different coaching and you are talking on the best in the world, it has to make you a better player.”
But while keeping a weather eye on those other matters, Townsend has enjoyed two weeks of Scotland pre-tour camp already and the response he’s had from the players.
“The guys have exceeded our expectations with the speed they have taken to what we are telling them,” he continued. “The speed and intensity of training has been excellent and carried through the three weeks.
“We just had the one blow with Sam Hidalgo-Clyne getting injured training but it’s been generally positive. The players are responding to what we’re telling them.
“We have finished our one-on-ones with the players and the constant theme is that they want to use this to become better players, which is brilliant.
“The six weeks we have together are about improving and winning for Scotland as well. It is a real luxury as international coaches to have six weeks with the guys and it is good to hear that the players are looking at this as a chance to get better.”
Townsend doesn’t plan any other additions to the squad and has been chopping and changing a little for variety.
“We had Finn (Russell) training a lot at 15 in the first week so that’s something to keep on the back burner for later,” he suggested when asked about the absence of his two regular 15s, Hogg and Sean Maitland. “Duncan Taylor is an option there too, he has the flexibility to play centre, wing or at 15.
“Peter Horne has played a lot at 10, Ruiradh (Jackson) and Grieg Tonks give us plenty of depth there, and Jacko and Grieg can cover 15 as well.”
Townsend is content with the three specialist second rows he has after the withdrawl of Richie Gray, with Rob Harley able to cover and Lewis Carmichael currently in Australia on loan with the Western Force in Super Rugby able to be called on.
The head coach is also delighted with WP Nel’s half hour for the Barbarians on Sunday which puts him in the frame for the opening test against Italy in Singapore.
“He felt good enough to train the following day, so it was a great effort from him,” continued Townsend. “He got a lot of confidence from half an hour, got some scrums, carried ball, made a couple of tackles.
“It is the first time myself and Dan McFarland have worked with WP. His mobility around the park and his willingness to work shone through plus, obviously his scrummaging.”
