BBC Rugby Union News: Scotland Seek Momentum on North and South America Tour
Published: 18:13 BST, 5 July 2024 | Updated: 18:23 BST, 5 July 2024
As Scotland prepares to embark on their summer tour of North and South America, head coach Gregor Townsend will be eager to build on the recent success of the Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
The Scots endured a disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier this year, but the Warriors’ stunning URC triumph has reignited the feel-good factor within Scottish rugby. By defeating the likes of Munster and the Bulls, Glasgow has proven that Scottish teams possess the mental fortitude to compete at the highest level.
Townsend will be hoping to harness this newfound confidence as his experimental squad takes on Canada, USA, Chile, and Uruguay over the next four weeks. With five uncapped players in the starting lineup and another five on the bench, the head coach is keen to unearth new talent and further strengthen his team’s depth.
Debutants Arron Reed and Gus Warr, who have impressed for Sale Sharks in the English Premiership, will be eager to make their mark on the international stage. Meanwhile, back-rower Josh Bayliss will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities, having long been touted as a rising star.
“While the caliber of opposition on this tour may be considered second-rate compared to the challenges faced by other tier-one nations, Townsend is under no illusions that only a clean sweep of victories will suffice. Anything less would raise questions about his future as Scotland’s head coach, particularly after the team’s underwhelming Six Nations performance.”
With the likes of Huw Jones, Duhan van der Merwe, and Sione Tuipulotu set to feature during the tour, Scotland possess the firepower to overwhelm their opponents. However, Townsend will be mindful of the need to maintain the positive momentum generated by Glasgow’s URC triumph and ensure a successful conclusion to the year, which will see the Scots face Fiji, South Africa, Portugal, and Australia in the Autumn Test Series.
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