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Exclusion of Hutchinson and co is evidence of genuine Scottish strength in depth

03 Sep 2019

Rory Hutchinson hasn't made the Scotland RWC squad

Fans are claiming positives about the depth of Scottish rugby in the wake of Gregor Townsend announcing his 31-man squad for the World Cup.

There were some noticeable exclusions from the squad, namely Rory Hutchinson and Huw Jones in the centres and Matt Fagerson and Magnus Bradbury in the back row, which have vexed some fans.

Hutchinson’s omission has caused the most outrage on social media, despite the centre only earning three caps. He has already won over many Scotland fans, particularly after last season with Northampton, and his ability to play centre or fly-half makes him a popular figure. However, Pete Horne, who is equally versatile, has been picked ahead of him.

Fans are also shocked that Jones has failed to make the squad after being a focal point in Townsend’s teams so far during his tenure as head coach. Yet, while there are those that are not happy with these decisions, other fans are seeing the other side of the coin – that this selection is a sign of the alleged current strength in depth in Scottish rugby.

Some fans are saying this is the strongest squad in years, believing that Townsend must have had a real selection dilemma. In the case of the back row, while there are some players that are unlucky to miss out, the question would be who to drop to accommodate them.

Scotland were the only Six Nations country yet to confirm their World Cup squad but Gregor Townsend has now joined the party https://t.co/k3mMlY0ggz
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 3, 2019

There are always going to be certain players that different fans do not want in the squad, but on the whole, it is understandable why Townsend has opted for every player he picked. Horne may be a controversial call, but he is versatile, experienced and has been tested by Townsend in the past.

With Sam Johnson, Duncan Taylor and Chris Harris being the other centres in the squad, two good players were always going to miss out and some fans are enjoying the depth in that position. This is what has been said:

https://twitter.com/RugbyCath/status/1168881743530799105?s=20

Strong looking squad ??
— Seaweed Muncher (@Seaweed_Muncher) September 3, 2019

Looks like a good squad we will do well this year hopefully!
— scottishbrother97 (@aarondove1997) September 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/Under_The_Frog/status/1168880917332598784?s=20

Cracking team!
All the best guys, we’re with you all the way.#AsOne
— Lula (@LuLa7975) September 3, 2019

Like quite a lot of other people I am surprised that Rory Hutchinson isn't in the squad…but it's still a very strong squad! Our depth at centre right now is crazy! https://t.co/t7ItS17dsm
— Shona 🙂 (@Shona055) September 3, 2019

Would have gone for Hutchinson over Horne & Fagerson over Wilson but still the best squad for at least 15 years. Bring on Ireland!
— Clarkie (@DaveClark2000) September 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/Thehairyhaggis/status/1168884956535410688?s=20

Having only made his Scotland debut just over two weeks ago, the 23-year-old Hutchinson’s rise in popularity has been staggering. But his form for the Saints last season was sensational, making the shortlist for the Premiership discovery of the year award.

Hutchinson will no doubt be a reserve should an injury arise to someone in Japan, but this is one of a few players fans think should be part of the squad.

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JW 5 minutes ago

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As valiant as GP says the Highlanders were that wasn’t really a test for the Crusaders as one might have though last week. When do they get to find out how much they’ve improved? Could it only be in another game against the Chiefs?

Crusaders arguably only managed to just scrape out ahead of these sides you’re questioning so I’d being having them in the same boat. But maybe now with Reihana back the Saders will have more than the one trick ponies do? Honestly I would also have the Chiefs in that ballpark, with their Dmac/Steveonson combo not producing yet or having the potential flair a Reihana/Jordan combo might have. Both tougher than the Blues/Brumbies/Reds, and i’d still say Canes for sure though.

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GS 15 minutes ago

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Whilst I dislike what is occurring with the French clubs, they are not the only parties involved in this activity. You can also look to Ireland and its “Project Player” Scheme, or how Scotland picks players with zero background who have never lived in Scotland.

But market forces will dictate where players will end up.

If RA wants to retain these players, then it should offer them remuneration in line with or better than what the French clubs can. The NZRFU should have offered Aki, Lowe, or Fergus Burke a higher salary than what was offered by the likes of Irish Rugby, Sacarens, etc., if it wanted to retain them.

These kids going to France and the aforementioned Kiwi players are attempting to build a career and financial security in a career that can end with one injury. Think about that—one bad injury, and your career is over, so just like anyone, they have to make the smart, informed decision that is right for them and their families.

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JH 21 minutes ago

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..and most telling. How many Kiwis and Aussies are propping up the Samoan and Tongan sides these days. Even Fiji has some, although compared to those two, they’re relatively light on the poaching.

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Also AB’s one of the most-home grown sides in international rugby, with most of their ‘foreign’ players having come here as kids with their parents. You can’t say the same for the Tongan and Samoan squads these days, which much like MP, are filled with Kiwis and Aussies. So, who is poaching from who. Exactly. You’re welcome.

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