Scottish Rugby

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Matt Currie says the Scotland A squad are "loving" working under head coach Pete Horne as they gear up to face Chile.

The Edinburgh centre made his home Test debut against Portugal last weekend and will get another chance to don a Scotland jersey when the shadow national team take to the field at Hive Stadium on Saturday.

Currie will start in the less familiar position of wing and will hope to replicate his try-scoring appearance for the Test Scotland side in their victory over Chile in Santiago in July.

And he says working under Horne, who is combining his coaching duties with the national team while also leading the A squad, has been a valuable experience.

"Pete's great," Currie said. "It's not long since he stopped playing and he definitely brings that energy and creativity to his role, which I enjoy.

"Our attack hopefully looks pretty exciting in the games. I think he's a massive part of that, what he brings, that creativity.

"He's diligent in what he does as well. He's there for the boys and we all love his coaching style."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Head coach Pete Horne says the internationals he has selected to play for Scotland A against Chile on Saturday have responded "brilliantly" despite being overlooked for the national team's showdown with Australia on Sunday.

The likes of Stafford McDowall, Jamie Dobie and Jamie Bhatti would have been in contention to take on the Wallabies in Scotland's final match of the Autumn Nations Series, but instead will play for the shadow national side at Hive Stadium the day before.

"Those three especially will have been desperate to be involved against Australia," Horne told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast.

"It wouldn't be right if they weren't. They've got every right to be disappointed that they're getting ready to play against Chile, but then we just flipped it on how we use that as an opportunity.

"These guys have got a chance to show the coach, he's made a mistake, actually we should have been playing on Sunday.

"So if you leave a lasting impression on Saturday there's a chance that come Six Nations, 100% we will still be talking about how guys performed in this match."

Saturday's match will be viewed as a curtain-raiser for the main event at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Sunday, but Horne has challenged his team to deliver a performance that gets people talking.

"I think any time the A team are playing, it's normally always a really good home crowd," said Horne, who is combining his head coach role with assisting Gregor Townsend with the full Scotland squad this autumn.

"It's a little bit more personal, isn't it? A little bit closer to the action. It'd be brilliant if we can all turn up and get a really good crowd for them.

"Just because we're the support act this weekend, there's no reason that we can't steal the show and have everyone talking about our game and our performance. That's what we're selling to the boys."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Head coach Pete Horne has named his Scotland A side to take on Chile at Hive Stadium on Saturday, which includes 12 internationals.

Fresh from becoming Scotland's youngest male Test player since 1963 with an appearance off the bench against Portugal last weekend, Freddy Douglas is selected in the back row alongside Ben Muncaster, who also made his Test debut last Saturday.

Stafford McDowall captained his country and scored in the Portugal victory, and he will lead the second string this weekend.

That means he is almost certainly ruled out of playing for the full national side against Australia on Sunday, and some others who may well have felt they were in contention to face the Wallabies will instead have to make do with running out for the A team.

Mosese Tuipulotu, younger brother of Scotland captain Sione, will make his first appearance at any level in Scotland colours, having signed for Edinburgh over the summer.

Jamie Bhatti, who scored his first Scotland try against Portugal, starts at the Hive in the front row alongside Gregor Hiddleston and D'Arcy Rae.

Marshall Sykes and Ewan Johnson of Oyannax are the locks, with vice-captain Tom Dodd completing the back row.

Jamie Dobie, who many felt would be the replacement scrum-half at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Sunday, starts at 9 and is vice-captain, which suggests Gregor Townsend will go with Ali Price or George Horne as back-up to Ben White against the Aussies.

Ross Thompson is in at 10, while Arron Reed starts at full-back after scoring two tries against Portugal on his home international debut.

Ross McCann and Matt Currie make up the back three.

Scotland A: Reed, Currie, Tuipulotu, McDowall, McCann, Thompson, Dobie; Bhatti, Hiddleston, Rae, Sykes, Johnson, Dodd, Douglas, Muncaster.

Replacements: Morris, Jones, Richardson, Oguntibeju, McConnell, Afshar, Healy, Brown.

Three down, one to go.

Scotland have enjoyed two victories in their Autumn Nations Series so far, either side of that battling loss to the Boks.

The Wallabies are in the capital this weekend as Gregor Townsend's side look to close out 2024 on a high.

With Australia in mind, as well as the win against Portugal on Saturday, what would you like to ask our rugby writers Tom English and Andy Burke?

Send them in via this link, external, external and they will be answered on this page later in the week.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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Bayliss in pole position to replace Dempsey

The Portugal game was, in part, a trial to see who was going to take over from the injured Jack Dempsey for the Wallabies game on Sunday. Gregor Townsend could put Luke Crosbie in at six and move Matt Fagerson to eight or he could just put in Ben Muncaster as a direct replacement for Dempsey.

The probability, though, is that Josh Bayliss has cemented his place in the starting line-up against the Wallabies. The big Bath number eight was decent against Portugal, showing power and pace in scoring a try, his third for Scotland in nine Tests. He doesn't have Dempsey's manic carrying ability, but has a bit of dynamism about him and he looks to be the one for Australia.

McDowall, Hutchinson, Reed - lucky and unlucky

All three players were really good against Portugal and all three are fine rugby players who, in a different landscape, would win a ton of caps. They'll win plenty more, you'd hope, but their misfortune is to be around in a time of plenty for Scotland.

Stafford McDowall and Rory Hutchinson are competing with Scotland’s best midfield partnership (Huwipulotu) since Gregor Townsend and John Leslie a quarter of a century ago.

Arron Reed is up against the best collection of Scottish wings possibly ever. An absolute flying machine, he has now scored four tries in three Tests (what more can he do?) but he's probably sixth choice behind Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Kyle Steyn, Blair Kinghorn and Kyle Rowe.

All three are delighted to be in the mix, but you feel for them at the same time.

Callow Scottish lineout struggled, but…

Scotland lost five lineouts against Portugal, which is an unacceptable number. Was it the throw, the lift, the catcher, the movement on the floor, the timing in the air? So many moving parts, so many things that can go wrong. You wouldn't expect them to go so badly wrong against Portugal, though.

There is nuance to this, of course. The lineout personnel had never played with each other before. One of the stats of the day was that Jamie Bhatti had more caps than the other seven starting Scottish forwards put together. Four of the seven had four caps or fewer. Two were uncapped.

So, unfamiliarity would have been an issue. Grant Gilchrist and Scott Cummings will return against the Wallabies, along with Ewan Ashman and hopefully security out of touch will return with them for what promises to be a thrilling finale to Scotland's autumn.

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Arron Reed says scoring his first tries at Murrayfield was "a dream" after he crossed the whitewash twice in Scotland's 59-21 win over Portugal.

On his first home Scotland appearance, Reed score twice in the second half as Gregor Townsend’s men ran in nine tries.

"I was lucky enough to score two but scoring the first one was obviously amazing," said the Sale Sharks winger.

"It's a dream isn't it, scoring for Scotland, but scoring at Murrayfield makes it even better. I can't really describe it in words to be fair, but it was good."

With the likes of Darcy Graham, Duhan van der Merwe, Kyle Rowe and Blair Kinghorn - not to mention the injured Kyle Steyn - all competing for wing spots, Reed says it's important to maximise every opportunity he gets in a Scotland jersey.

"I've been in the past three camps and the campaigns have been good. I didn't get a chance in the Six Nations, but obviously I got a chance in the summer.

"Getting these chances and scoring tries, you're obviously putting your name out there, but there's obviously lads are ahead of me at the moment who were obviously playing really well.

"It's really good competition. We're making each other better, but it's good to get my name out there."

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Ben Muncaster says Darcy Graham is a "generational talent" after the winger’s try against Portugal saw him draw level with Duhan van der Merwe as Scotland's record try scorer.

Muncaster made his Test debut as the Scots ran in nine tries to win 59-21 at Murrayfield despite a dogged performance from the visitors.

Graham notched his 29th international try in his 41st Scotland appearance, and Muncaster was full of praise for his Edinburgh team-mate.

"He's just absolute world-class," the back-rower said.

"He's a generational talent and to be in the same team as him is an absolute privilege.

"Sometimes he just does those things which no one else can do."

Having got his first taste of international rugby Muncaster is keen to get more, whether that is representing Scotland A against Chile on Saturday or taking on the Wallabies in Scotland's final match of the Autumn Nations Series at Murrayfield next Sunday.

"Even though this was a special day for me and my family, I want to push on, I want to get as many caps as I possibly can," said the 23-year-old.

"Whether I play in the Australia or the Chile game, I'm going to give it my absolute all and hit the ground running a bit more. I've got some game time in the national shirt, so yeah, I can't wait."

We asked for your thoughts on Scotland's 59-21 win against Portugal.

Here's what some of you had to say:

John: Disappointed to see Tom Jordon getting in to Scottish rugby, then upping sticks to move to Bristol. We need to keep players in Scotland to have proper strength and success.

Mark: An enjoyable carnival atmosphere at Murrayfield, but it doesn't really feel as if anyone really put their hand up to seriously challenge the established XV. Probably explains why Jordan got the man of the match award. It's a totally different Test next week.

Anon: That was a B side by Scotland who played well, scrappy at times, but a team that has never played together. A lot of young players for the future. Some big forwards which was nice to see. Portugal were good to a point, they like to run and have the ball in hand.

Ed: Why is Duhan van der Merwe still seen by so many, including some pundits, as the go-to winger? He's a fantastic finisher, but Darcy Graham creates more for himself and for others and is much harder to nullify entirely from the game. Don't Graham, Kyle Steyn, Kyle Rowe, Blair Kinghorn all bring better skills and more gifts to the backline?

Henry: Great to be able to say after another big win, with nine tries, that there is room for improvement! The new recruits all fitted in well. Next week will be a real test. Congrats to Portugal for having a go.

John: Scotland have now got so much depth on the wing with Graham, Duhan, Kinghorn, Steyn, Rowe and Arron Reed. I feel sorry for them that they are amazing players but won't get much game time in big matches.

Graeme: Once we could rely on the lineout, now it's a major concern. None of our hookers have a reliable throw, which is a huge worry with the Six Nations looming. Glad Darcy got himself a try, deserves everything he gets, he's a better all round winger/player than Duhan.

David: Why was Johnny Matthews ignored in the way that he was when Patrick Harrison was having a terrible game? Gregor Townsend is beginning to embarrass himself.

Jamie: Scotland played well but have to be more resilient and less complacent. Some of the tries Portugal scored could easily have been denied with some simple defence.

Iain: What a poor performance. Our set piece was a shambles with Portugal dominating scrum and lineout. Furthermore we had no shape and were directionless. Only Josh Bayliss in the forwards and Jordan and Rory Hutchinson achieved pass marks. Our strength in depth is not as deep as we thought and the coaching team has a lot of questions to answer.

Darcy Graham equalled Duhan van der Merwe's Scotland try-scoring record in a comfortable nine-try victory over Portugal at Murrayfield.

What did you make of the game, Scotland fans?

Who impressed you? What did you, and Gregor Townsend, learn about the team? And who stuck their hand up for next week?

Let us know your thoughts here, external.

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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend told Sportsound: "I thought [Portugal] were really good, they brought line speed in defence.

"They were physical and if a team plays ambitious rugby, there'll be times when they break you. They were very fit. Sometimes you wear a team down and space opens up more, but they kept on going.

"We're pleased with the result. There'll be areas where we can improve but credit to Portugal for being a tough opponent today. We had to work out what the defence was doing, and it worked our way. We worked hard, created extra numbers.

"We didn't kick on as much in the second half, didn't have as much possession, we're frustrated we kicked the ball away in the 22 a few times. It was a solid performance.

"Really pleased for those playing for Scotland at Murrayfield for the very first time, those making their first caps. You could see how committed they were and they put their bodies on the line."

"[Tom Jordan] is learning all the time about fullback, today he got the ball in more space so it's how he links up with those around him and he did that well."

"Most of the guys got through the game, Alex Samuel failed his HIA. Hopefully he'll make a quick recovery. Everyone else seems good so that's a positive.

"We've had some really good games against Australia over the last few years, tight games mainly. They play rugby too, Joe Schmidt's teams always try and keep possession.

"Last week [against England] showed they can offload, through one individual in particular! This week they have [Samu] Kerevi and [Will] Skelton back. They're a quality side with all the players they wanted to select available. We know they're a top five side and we'll have to play our best rugby to win."

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your Scottish rugby questions.

Geoff asked: There is usually a ‘bolter’ in every Lions squad. I have a suspicion Tom Jordan could be the 2025 vintage?

Tom answered: Yes, he could be. Only two caps into his Test career but he has looked absolutely terrific. And versatile, which is a godsend for any Lions coach. The utility back is going to be important to Andy Farrell and Jordan has announced himself as a contender.

The question is where will he play in the Six Nations? If everybody is fit, what's the backline looking like? He’s not going to break up the current midfield and it's unlikely he’ll dethrone Finn Russell at 10. Full-back is a very big call now, I think Jordan has to start.

As excellent as he is, I'd probably have Blair Kinghorn, another fine utility player, on the bench in round one of the Six Nations with Jordan at 15 and Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe/Duhan van der Merwe on the wings. Some very good players are going to miss out.

Stu asked: Is there a risk that players get stale when their position won't be challenged? Rory Darge hasn't found the form he was in when he broke into the Scotland set-up as a new cap. Does the added leadership weigh heavy on his shoulders? Does he need a break or further competition?

Tom answered: There is definitely a very real danger of staleness if their position isn't threatened, but I wouldn't apply that to Darge.

I think his level is very high. To me, his form is top notch. I don't see any noticeable drop-off. I see a fantastically effective player at the top of his game.

Everybody needs competition and everybody needs a break. The frontliners especially need a rest ahead of the Australia game, which looks a far more daunting affair all of a sudden.

Glasgow Warriors centre Stafford McDowall aims to make the most of being Scotland captain against Portugal on Saturday because it is an honour he "might never get a chance to do again".

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your Scottish rugby questions.

Craig asked: The top teams seem to be able to work Scotland out, even if they are in second gear, or does it just seem that way?

Tom answered: The top teams are the top teams for a reason. Really strong starting 15, really strong bench, an ability to finish strongly.

Scotland are carrying injuries and are really short at hooker and tighthead, so that strong finish is a problem now against the elite nations, who are bringing on world-class players.

I don't think opponents are in second gear against Scotland. Maybe on occasion, but not last Sunday. One of the biggest problems is Scotland create but don't finish a high enough percentage of their chances.

There's an overreliance on individual moments of genius to score tries - and they've produced these moments on a pretty consistent basis - but what happens when the opposition deny you those moments?

Scotland need to think about how to hold on to the ball and turn the screw when in the opposition red zone.

They score sensational one-phase, two-phase tries. I’d like to see them score 10 and 12-phase tries as well. Ugly things. Patience and power. Work the defence, move it around, tire it out, wait for the moment. They can do it, but they don't do enough of it when it matters against the biggest teams.

Tom English and Andy Burke discuss Gregor Townsend's team selection to face Portugal on Saturday in the Autumn Nations Series.

Townsend joins the pod and believes it is a "special time for Scottish rugby" while Tom Jordan's departure in the summer to Bristol and the SRU accounts released this week are also analysed.

Listen to the latest episode.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend says his players are prepared for "a really tough Test match" when they face Portugal on Saturday.

Townsend has rung the changes following last weekend's defeat to South Africa, with Tom Jordan at full-back the only survivor from the team that started against the Springboks.

Freddy Douglas, 19, could become Scotland's youngest male Test player in more than 60 years if he is used from the bench.

The Portuguese will play their first international away at a top-tier nation, with around 60,000 fans expected at Murrayfield.

"I thought they were one of the most exciting teams to watch in the World Cup," Townsend said.

"They moved the ball wide, they were accurate, they were cohesive and they got some good results - beat Fiji, drew with Georgia, pushed Wales really close. So we're expecting that level of performance from them.

"They may not have played teams like Wales, Fiji and Australia since the World Cup, now they have a big opportunity this weekend to play a Six Nations team. So we expect that ambition, that accuracy and a really tough test match."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Gregor Townsend has been speaking to the media after naming his much-changed side to face Portugal in the third Autumn Test at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Here are the key points from the head coach:

• It's a blow for Glasgow to lose Tom Jordan but a reflection of his excellent performances that big teams wanted him.

• Townsend is not concerned by Scottish Rugby posting an £11.3m loss in its latest annual accounts, saying he can only control the rugby side of things. He adds it is exciting times for Scottish rugby with regular sellouts.

• He feels the team is still improving despite some mixed Six Nations results and last week’s defeat to South Africa.

• On the loss to Springboks, he adds: "It was a bigger defeat than we had in the Six Nations, but the performance was the best we've seen for maybe the last year or two."

• Townsend believes Portugal were one of the most exciting teams at the World Cup and will provide a good test on Saturday.

• Stafford McDowall has proven himself as a player and leader, with Townsend adding that he is unfortunate to be behind such a good centre partnership as Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones for club and country.

• ⁠Freddy Douglas, 19, is showing no signs of nerves before his potential Test debut despite having never played a senior club match.

• Townsend adds: "He has the mindset we believe that is ready for Test rugby. He will go forward and attack in defence. And he's got a super strength which is his ability to win turnovers and win that ball back for his team."