Scottish Rugby

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

The grim confirmation of Sione Tuipulotu's Six Nations-ending injury was expected but it still landed with a thud nonetheless.

Tuipulotu is one of the form inside centres in the game; a captain, a physical brute, an artist, an inspiration to his team. He's a pretty rare amalgam of world class bludgeon and world class rapier.

His absence - and that of the outstanding lock Scott Cummings - has seen Scottish optimism, racing along merrily last week, reduced to a slow crawl. Glasgow have also suffered a double blow in the loss of two critical operators.

Tuipulotu's partnership with Huw Jones is a cosmic blend. Now an alternative is needed. Jones and his excellent Warriors' team-mate, Tom Jordan, don't pack enough physical punch for Test rugby as a duo. Franco Smith never plays them together at 12-13 for Glasgow.

The same could be said for Rory Hutchinson, the dangerous Northampton centre. A Hutchinson-Jones combo lacks enough muscle for the unforgiving fields of Six Nations rugby.

Most likely, it's going to be another Warriors pair, Stafford McDowall and Jones in the midfield in the championship. McDowall is a tough operator and a Glasgow captain but nobody inside the Scotland camp is pretending that Tuipulotu's absence is anything other than a nightmare.

As for Tuipulotu's fitness for the Lions - pretty much every pundit in all four nations has picked him at 12 in the Test series - let's just hope that his operation is successful and that his recovery is swift.

Losing Cummings is also hellish news given his power game and his form. Grant Gilchrist and Jonny Gray will surely now start against Italy in the opening day of the championship, but their back-up, Glasgow's Max Williamson, is also out for the tournament, so there are problems in multiple places. Glasgow head coach Smith, like Gregor Townsend, must be a disappointed man today.

Scotland began their Six Nations season with two home games back-to-back, with Italy and then Ireland coming to Murrayfield in the first nine days of February.

The odds on Townsend's team causing a sensation this season will have drifted with Monday's news.

We asked for your views on Sione Tuipulotu's injury woes before he was confirmed to miss the Six Nations.

Here's what some of you said:

John: This will be an absolute disaster for Scotland. First and foremost, I hope that he recovers quickly. He is an exemplary leader and player.

James: This is such bad news for Glasgow and Scotland with the possibility of losing such an inspirational player. I don't understand why he was even down training, if not even considered for this. The Harlequins game should have been a rest, we are kind of unlucky but have to just move on. I reckon Stafford McDowall, Cameron Redpath or Tom Jordan could do a good job.

Neil: As a Scotsman I think this may be a bit of a selection dilemma for Gregor Townsend but if it's not as serious as it could be, I think he would be selected for the opening game of the Six Nations tournament against Italy in Edinburgh. Let's hope so because he captained us to victory in three of the four Autumn Nations series only losing to the Springboks.

Ben: The injury to Tuipulotu plus Glasgow's result against Harlequins has definitely put a dampener on optimism for the Six Nations. If we want to be in with a serious chance at the tournament, we need all of our big players available and playing consistently at eight or nine out of 10's. Zander Fagerson, Finn Russell & Tuipulotu we need the most.

Henry: Tuipulotu's injury was obvious last week and he should have been withdrawn immediately. Now he and George Horne are doubtful Scotland starts. No Warriors excuses. We did it the hard way last year and can repeat that this time.

Bill: Of course the loss of a world class player is a blow to a squad which is aiming to bring on a number of newer talents supported by several established stars, but we must stop focusing on negatives and reorganise around our other game changers including, in particular, Huw Jones and Blair Kinghorn.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Darcy Graham will "100%" be selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, if he stays fit, according to his former Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill.

The winger helped Edinburgh to a Challenge Cup victory over Cockerill's Black Lion side on Sunday, and the Englishman, who gave the Hawick flyer his senior debut in 2017, is convinced Graham has what it takes to don the famous red jersey in Australia this summer.

"The first time I ever saw him train, I knew he was going to be a special player," Cockerill told BBC Scotland.

"He's got great feet, he's got great pace. He's tough as teak for such a little fella. He was outstanding tonight.

"If he can stay fit, 100% he will be a Lion, I've no doubt of that."

Graham will be pivotal to Scotland's hopes of a successful Six Nations campaign, and Cockerill believes Gregor Townsend's side are capable of mounting a serious title challenge.

"Scotland are a real contender for the Six Nations," said Cockerill, who combines his role with Black Lion with the Georgia national head coach job.

"They've got a settled squad. They've got an experienced squad. They start with Italy, then they have Ireland. If you can get through those two, then anything is possible.

"It's the hope that kills you, isn't it? They're a great side. They've shown that.

"They've beaten England the last four times. They're real competitors and they should be one of the favourites for the Six Nations."

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Glasgow Warriors will host Leicester Tigers in the Champions Cup round of 16.

Franco Smith's side finished second in Pool 4, while the Tigers came third in Pool 1. The match will take place on either 4, 5 or 6 April at Scotstoun.

In the Challenge Cup, Edinburgh will take on South African side Lions in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup in the Scottish capital.

Sean Everitt's team topped Pool 3, while Lions came fourth in Pool 2. That match will also take place on the first weekend in April.

What did you make of Edinburgh's victory over Black Lion?

Did you enjoy seeing Richard Cockerill back in town? Who impressed you in the win over the Georgians?

And how important is it that Edinburgh finished top of the pool? Has Sean Everitt eased some of the pressure on him as head coach?

Let us know your thoughts here., external

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt told BBC Scotland: "Pleased that we got the job done. Frustrated playing 13 men for 10 minutes, that's where the game turned a little sour.

"The guys stuck to task. They were always going to be a difficult opposition to play against, they've run other teams close in this competition.

"Sometimes when you're down to 14 men, you go into the game with a defensive mindset and defend rather than attack. We did brilliantly to score those two tries after the red card.

"I'm just proud of the boys and how they fought defensively. With 13 men, it's not easy to cover the full width of the field and we were really good in that department. Hats off to the forwards, who scrummed with seven after the red card. We took a chance and it worked.

[On red card] "We've got a policy on our tackle technique. We want to hit below the ball and we didn't. That's a risk that you take when you get above the ball. No one does it on purpose, we see it every week.

"The boys are now aware that there is massive consequences for that. Especially with Maggie's one, it really put us in a sticky position.

[On home advantage in next round] "We learn the hard way last year when we had to travel to Durban for a one-off against the Sharks. One of our goals was to finish on top of our pool and we've achieved that. It does make it easier. You win the last 16 and you get a home quarter.

"The guys understand now what consistency is. If you look at how we started the game, and how we played last week, and the second performance against Glasgow, it was important we showed that consistency and we've done that.

"[Grant] Gilchrist and Duhan [Van der Merwe] should be fit and ready to play against Italy."

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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When everybody at Glasgow Warriors - and at Murrayfield - talk vaguely, or not at all, when asked about Sione Tuipulotu's injury, you get a feeling that bad news is on the way.

All of Scotland waits with bated breath for the official prognosis.

Tuipulotu is one of the form inside-centres in the world game; a captain, a physical brute, an artist, an inspiration to his team. If he's missing some, or all, of the Six Nations then a chunk of optimism about Scotland's campaign is going to go with him.

His partnership with Huw Jones is a cosmic blend. Now it looks like an alternative is needed.

Jones and Tom Jordan does not pack enough physical punch. Franco Smith never plays them together at 12-13 for Glasgow.

Most likely, it is going to be another Warriors pair, Stafford McDowall and Jones, in the midfield in the championship.

That is still a forceful and dynamic unit, but the potential loss of the big man is a nightmare on many fronts.

As for Tuipulotu's fitness for the Lions, let us just presume that whatever time he misses in the Six Nations he will still have time enough to get himself roaring again for the summer in Australia.

What was your reaction to the news that Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu is an injury doubt for the upcoming Six Nations?

How do you think his absence would affect Scotland's chances, and who would you pick to replace him in the centres?

Have your say, external.

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Edinburgh have made six changes from the side that beat Vannes last week for this Sunday's Challenge Cup match against Black Lion at Hive Stadium.

Lewis Wells, 22, replaces Duhan van der Merwe - who has a minor ankle knock - and makes his senior debut for the club.

Charlie Shiel is the only other change to the back line, with Ali Price dropping to the bench.

In the forwards, Paddy Harrison and Paul Hill start in the front row in place of Dave Cherry and Javan Sebastian, while Tom Dodd and Magnus Bradbury come into the back row with Jamie Ritchie and Ben Muncaster not involved.

A win against the Georgian outfit would guarantee Edinburgh a home tie in the last 16.

"Sunday's match is vital for us," head coach Sean Everitt said. "To go deep into this tournament, we want to ensure as many of our matches in the knockouts are at home, so we need to put ourselves in the position to do that.

"I'm happy for Lewis. He's earned his spot in the team, but we know it will be a fierce contest against Black Lion. They're arriving with a point to prove, so we'll need to be at our best."

Edinburgh XV to face Black Lion: Goosen, Graham, Currie, Lang, Wells, Healy, Shiel; Shoeman, Harrison, Hill, Sykes, Skinner, Dodd, Crosbie, Bradbury.

Replacements: Ashman, Venter, Sebastian, Young, Watson, Price, Thompson, M. Tuipulotu.

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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith has made five changes from the win over Racing 92 for Saturday's Champions Cup match at Harlequins.

Euan Ferrie replaces Gregor Brown in the second row, while Jack Dempsey makes his first club appearance since October, preferred to Jack Mann at number eight.

In the backs, Jamie Dobie comes in for George Horne at scrum-half, and there are starts for Stafford McDowall and Kyle Rowe in place of Sione Tuipulotu and Kyle Steyn.

Glasgow could still top Pool 4 and secure a home quarter-final should they get there, but need to better Toulon's result against Sale on Sunday.

"We know that Harlequins will pose probably our toughest test of the pool stage tomorrow night," Smith said.

"They have proved against the Stormers that they are an incredibly difficult team to beat at home, so we need to continue our own progress and focus on our own performance.

"They also have a proud record in front of their home supporters, and we look forward to the challenge that awaits us tomorrow night."

Glasgow XV to face Harlequins: McKay, Cancelliere, Jones, McDowall, Rowe, Jordan, Dobie; Sutherland, Matthews, Z. Fagerson, Ferrie, Cummings, M. Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Hiddleston, Bhatti, Talakai, Samuel, Brown, Venter, Afshar, Weir.

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

Peter asked: Some of the chat at Scotstoun was the possibility of Scottish-qualified 10 Dan Lancaster being a possibility for next season at Glasgow. He would perhaps fit in with David Nucifora's policy but would he be good enough?

Tom answered: I haven't seen much to suggest Lancaster is the replacement for Tom Jordan at Glasgow. He's young, but he's bounced around a bit and hasn't become the starting 10 anywhere. He's at Racing now, obviously. Would he be there if his father wasn't the head coach? Doubtful.

Glasgow definitely need a new 10. Adam Hastings is excellent, but he's dogged by injury. Duncan Weir is one step away from taking to the field with a zimmer frame. And it's kids apart from that.

I'd look to have a look at young Richie Simpson, but even still, they need another 10. Losing Jordan for next season was an absolute calamity. Replacing him is going to be brutally hard.

Jonty asked: Are you aware of any moves or even a desire to reinstate the Scotland Sevens programme? It helped a fair few current internationals on the way when it was up and running and it's disappointing to see teams like Uruguay and Spain managing to fund a team when we can't.

Tom answered: Money's so tight at the SRU that I'd be amazed if there were any plans afoot as regards the Sevens programme.

Edinburgh and Glasgow are both taking a cut to their budgets next season, so that shows there's not much in the kitty. As performance director, Nucifora will want a vibrant Sevens scene but the SRU need to generate a whole lot more money to get it done in a meaningful way.

We asked for your views on the Scotland squad announced by Gregor Townsend for the upcoming Six Nations.

Here's what some of you said:

Douglas: Aside from the Johnny Matthews exclusion, it's finally a team that can start to settle as a unit, with the same names coming back. No more wild card inclusions or revolving door of new names, the famous Toonie Tombola is over, for now. The question of where we end the Six Nations? The dream? Win the whole lot! The reality? Anywhere from second to fourth.

Steven: Pretty happy with the selections made from those that are fit. Kyle Steyn would have made the squad if not for injury, hopefully he'll recover in time to play some part. Much made of Matthews' omission but Scotland will not dominate mauls like Glasgow can in the URC and his stats in defence look like the main reason he's not made the cut.

Jordan: Some very interesting omissions from the second row, most notably Cameron Henderson, who has been playing consistently well for an improved Tigers team. The inclusion of Marshall Sykes over the likes of Henderson, Alex Craig, Alex Samuel and even Jare Oguntibeju and Ewan Johnson is strange in my opinion.

Paul: Settled squad and first team. Scott Cummings' partner in the second row is about the only debatable position. Real shame about the injuries to Steyn and Max Williamson. I would have started Steyn against Ireland - I don't think any side plays Duhan van der Merwe better than Ireland. Let's hope Glasgow's winning mentality translates to the national squad and this is our year.

John: Feel like Tom Jordan deserves a start at 10 in at least one game, and the Scotland vs Italy fixture is the perfect one. He's coming off a cracking run with Glasgow, why break up the Warriors half/centre team - extra time for Finn Russell to bed back in and keeps him fresh for Ireland. Rest Jordan for Ireland, Fergus Burke on the bench, then Jordan back-up for England.

Arran: Think it's a good mix of experience and youth, with the likes of Jonny Gray back with tonnes of experience but also some new exciting players who've been performing well like Jack Mann. Really excited for Burke, even if he doesn't play, an exciting option for the future and he'll learn lots being in the camp! Hopeful for this year!

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend joins Tom English and Andy Burke to discuss his Six Nations squad selection.

Listen and subscribe to the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast on BBC Sounds

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Gregor Townsend says Finn Russell will have many more opportunities to win silverware for Scotland and believes the fly-half can play at the top level for years to come.

At 32 years old, and with 82 international appearances to his name, Russell is one of the most experienced players in the national squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

But Townsend sees no signs the Bath pivot is entering the twilight of his career.

"Physically, he's in probably better condition now than he was two or three years ago," the Scotland head coach said on the BBC'S Scotland Rugby Podcast.

"He seems in a great spot. Players are playing football now much longer, they're looking after themselves and I see the same with Finn.

"We want to win more than just matches, we want to win titles. He's a big part of that and he's still got a lot of rugby ahead of him."

Despite being one of the leading players in the game for over a decade, Russell has only a solitary medal to his name – Glasgow's Pro12 title victory in 2015.

"He's contributed to so many great victories and great moments for our supporters and for our team," Townsend added.

"Those are some of the best days he'll have in his career, being in the Scotland jersey. The next stage is that after five games in a row there's a title at the end of it.

"It's tough. If winning titles was easy, everybody would be doing it. We just have to make sure that we play to our potential, play as close to our best as we can.

"There's no reason that's not going to lead to a successful season if we're able to do that."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Head coach Gregor Townsend has been speaking to the media after he announced his Scotland squad for the upcoming Six Nations championship.

Here's a taste of what he had to say:

• ⁠Townsend spoke about what incoming Saracens fly-half Fergus Burke will bring to the Scotland set-up.

• The head coach said he was delighted to have Jonny Gray back in the squad after the second-row pulled out of the Autumn Nations squad, and said Gray is "going really well for Bordeaux".

• ⁠⁠When asked if it's now or never to win a Six Nations, Townsend replied "you only get so many championships".

• He wants as many Scots as possible on the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour to Australia in the summer.

• The head coach ⁠wouldn't say if he wants to be part of the touring Lions coaching staff again but no discussions have taken place with Lions head coach Andy Farrell.

Fergus Burke and Jack Mann receive their first call-ups to the Scotland squad, but there is no place for Johnny Matthews or the injured Kyle Steyn.

The omissions are notable, if not glaring, while there are rewards for Glasgow's fine form in Gregor Brown, Jamie Dobie and Tom Jordan.

What do you make of Scotland's Six Nations squad then? Has Gregor Townsend got it right, or has someone been left off the list?

How big a blow is losing Kyle Steyn to injury for the first few weeks of the tournament?

Let us know your thoughts. , external