The opener must prove himself with Racing 92 to claim a return to the XV du Chardon.
Racing 92 fly-half Finn Russell was left out of Scotland for the Autumn Tests and full-back Stuart Hogg had his captain’s armband removed. Flanker Jamie Ritchie was named captain to lead the team in Tests against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina. Russell, once seen as a must-have for the Thistle XV, was left out as manager Gregor Townsend recalled Adam Hastings on Wednesday and kept Blair Kinghorn as scrum-half after his strong showing in summer testing against England. Argentina.
Russell, who would not have been able to take part in the first Test against Australia at Murrayfield on October 29 because it is disputed outside the Test period, has regularly had a strained relationship with his coach. He left the team ahead of the 2020 Six Nations Championship after publicly criticizing Townsend’s methods. He had returned after settling his differences, but was then ruled out for this year’s Six Nations final against Ireland: he was one of six players who spent an evening in an Edinburgh bar. Then he was put to rest for the tour with the Pumas.
Russell needs to prove himself with Racing 92
«Finn Russell is someone who has played a lot for us in the past and missed the mark. It’s a challenge for him to show his form and consistency (at the club) over the next few weeksTownsend said at a press conference. Hogg is back after also missing all three tests in Argentina, but Ritchie is now the team’s captain.
Scotland have called up former Australia international Jack Dempsey for the first time, who is eligible because his grandfather is Scottish. He made 14 caps with the Wallabies, but is allowed to change nations under World Rugby eligibility rules, which now mean you can change countries after three years without having played for your country. first country. Stafford McDowall is the only rookie player at full back, he was called up after he stood out with the Glasgow Warriors.