Hiddleston has 'biggest chance' to be Scotland's Six Nations bolter

BBC Scotland's chief sports writer Tom English has been answering some of your questions on Scottish rugby.

Rob asked: What were your thoughts on the 'Emerging Scotland' v Italy Under-23 game? A depressing defeat highlighting the weakness of our grassroots and pathways? Or the start of a great initiative, getting young talent trained under senior coaches and high-level game time?

Tom answered: It's long overdue, Rob. Ireland have had 'Emerging' teams touring South Africa for the last two or three years now and Scotland need to catch up.

These boys need higher level games - and plenty of them. They need a higher level of coaching and this is a big step in the right direction down an admittedly long, long road.

Ian asked: Who's going to win at Hampden? Who's going to win at Murrayfield? Who's bringing home the silverware on aggregate?

And on a similar theme, Nick asked: What is the best result over the 1872 double-header for Gregor Townsend? Is it a dominant champion side in Glasgow or an Edinburgh side adding up to the sum of its parts? (Aside from no injuries!)

Tom answered: Glasgow were always going to be favourites to win the first leg but they'll have the extra motivation of putting on a show in front of a much bigger crowd than they're used to in the city.

They're a fantastic team; brutally tough and rapier sharp on attack. I think they can win both legs.

Murray asked: The derby games always feel like an audition to the Scotland squad. Who do you think is most likely to push into the Scotland squad?

Tom answered: The Scotland matchday squad is really settled. You could write down most of the 23 to play Italy on day one of the Six Nations without much thought.

There is one person who has a big chance of playing his way into it, though.

Ewan Ashman will start at hooker but his back-up is very much up for grabs. It could be Dylan Richardson, as was the case for three of the autumn games, but Gregor Hiddleston has a great opportunity in these games against Edinburgh.

He's been really good this season. Tough and aggressive, decent scrummager, busy around the park. He's only 22 and I'm excited about him, just as I'm excited about Max Williamson, Euan Ferrie, Alex Samuel, Jare Oguntibeju and others at Scotstoun. There's such a good next wave there.

For the Six Nations, Hiddleston is the one with the biggest chance of crashing through.