Scotland has dropped Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham and Blair Kinghorn from the starting lineup for their Six Nations opener against Italy. Coach Gregor Townsend has opted for a back three of Bristol's Tom Jordan at full-back flanked by Glasgow Warriors wingers Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie. The trio is looking to make an impact on the pitch with mental fortitude being a crucial aspect of Scotland's game plan.
Graham, who holds the record for most tries in Scotland history, will be part of the replacements but not starting. Meanwhile, Kinghorn has been a shoo-in at 15 for the longest time, but his games can sometimes be marred by mistakes. Jordan is being used in his third-best position after 10 and 12, with the goal of having a more mentally robust outfit when the heat comes on.
Steyn and Dobie were nailed-on to start if form over reputation was any sort of guide. The two players have been instrumental for Glasgow's success this season, showcasing their ability to lead in their respective positions.
Grant Gilchrist has managed to survive the challenge of a battalion of second rows, but there are two seriously impressive operators coming off the bench. Gregor Brown is expected to cover at six but he's just as effective at lock, while Max Williamson is large and imposing - an opportunity for him to make an impact in his first major game back after injury.
The selection may raise eyebrows outside Scotland, but it should not cause sharp intakes of breath within the squad. The team will be relying on their experience and ability to adapt quickly to new situations. With a challenging schedule ahead, Townsend's use of his squad is likely to become more prevalent in the coming weeks.
Graham, who holds the record for most tries in Scotland history, will be part of the replacements but not starting. Meanwhile, Kinghorn has been a shoo-in at 15 for the longest time, but his games can sometimes be marred by mistakes. Jordan is being used in his third-best position after 10 and 12, with the goal of having a more mentally robust outfit when the heat comes on.
Steyn and Dobie were nailed-on to start if form over reputation was any sort of guide. The two players have been instrumental for Glasgow's success this season, showcasing their ability to lead in their respective positions.
Grant Gilchrist has managed to survive the challenge of a battalion of second rows, but there are two seriously impressive operators coming off the bench. Gregor Brown is expected to cover at six but he's just as effective at lock, while Max Williamson is large and imposing - an opportunity for him to make an impact in his first major game back after injury.
The selection may raise eyebrows outside Scotland, but it should not cause sharp intakes of breath within the squad. The team will be relying on their experience and ability to adapt quickly to new situations. With a challenging schedule ahead, Townsend's use of his squad is likely to become more prevalent in the coming weeks.
. By giving Jordan and Dobie a chance at full-back and wing respectively, he's basically saying that Graham and Kinghorn can't be trusted with the starting spots anymore 
. And what's with the benching of Kinghorn? Hasn't he been a fan favorite for years? It's like Townsend is trying to shake things up too much 
. Meanwhile, Steyn and Dobie might have had a good run with Glasgow, but can they handle the pressure of international rugby? 
They're gonna play smart, not just rely on Darcy Graham to do it all. I mean, don't get me wrong, he's a legend and all that, but they need someone who can keep up with the pressure. Tom Jordan at fullback is a good pick, he's got the experience and mental toughness to deal with the heat. And Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie are gonna be key players, they're gonna lead by example and show everyone how it's done. Grant Gilchrist has been holding his own at second row for ages now, so I think these bench players are gonna make a difference when they come on. Plus, Gregor Brown is just that good, he can do both six and lock, which gives them flexibility. It's all about experience and adaptability at this point, and I think Scotland's got it in spades 
. And don't even get me started on the bench squad, Gilchrist is a legend but I'm hyped to see Brown & Williamson come in and shake things up 
. It's all about adaptability now for Scotland and I think they've got this 
. How do you guys think this new back three will hold up against Italy?
It makes no sense! They're all top players and to just give up their starts like that? 
And Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie, who were basically nailed-on to start, get relegated to the bench? 
. He's played other positions before, so let's see how he handles this one. And yeah, I get what they're trying to do with mental fortitude being key, but we all know how that can work out sometimes 
. Steyn and Dobie are gonna be a solid back three, no doubt about it 
. Fingers crossed for Scotland! 