Sportswriter Tom English Discusses Scotland Rugby Performance, Fixtures, and Player Futures

Following Scotland’s record-breaking victory over Fiji and in anticipation of their upcoming match against South Africa, chief sportswriter Tom English addressed reader inquiries. One question, posed by Rob, asked: “This might seem like a crazy question given his try-scoring record, but do you think Duhan van der Merwe could be even more effective for both club and country if the way he and the team around him play, was tweaked?” Tom English responded by stating that Duhan van der Merwe’s try-scoring success is a direct result of the team’s current playing strategy. He expressed doubt that the team could be structured more effectively for both Van der Merwe and Darcy Graham. English praised Finn Russell, noting his eagerness to distribute the ball wide with passes or kicks, adding, “I’m not sure I have ever seen a better passing 10 than him or, for that matter a 10 who is better at that kick-pass. He’s unreal.” He further explained that the midfield partnership excels at creating and capitalizing on space with high skill, which generates numerous chances for Van der Merwe. While suggesting Van der Merwe could strive for greater involvement, English concluded that “for him, this must be the dream team to play in. So much of the gameplan revolves around trying to get him into space.” Scott then inquired about the process behind arranging autumn international fixture lists. He conveyed his anticipation for “Scotland v South Africa” but also his disappointment regarding a “light” summer tour, the inclusion of Portugal in the current series, and the ongoing absence of a match against NZ, noting “only one meeting in seven years!” Tom English clarified that the SRU does not select its opponents, but he recalled that in “2020 Scotland were due to have a summer tour which involved two Tests against the Boks and one against the All Blacks. COVID put paid to that.” He also noted that “The new global rugby tournament starts in 2026 so there will be a lot of change when that happens.” English concluded with his personal view: “Personally, I think these games against Tier Two nations are important for Scotland as they try to grow their Test player base.” Murdo then posed a question regarding Ali Price’s future with the Scotland team: “Has Ali Price played his last game for Scotland?” He observed that “The pace of our attack visibly increased when Jamie Dobie replaced him on Saturday and I think we’d have seen the same had George Horne been on the bench,” adding, “Ben White is still our best 9.” Tom English responded definitively, stating, “No, he hasn’t.” He acknowledged Jamie Dobie’s strong performance upon entering the game but maintained that Ali Price “played fine.” English indicated he currently places Ali Price fourth in the scrum-half hierarchy, behind “Ben White, George Horne, Dobie,” but asserted that Price “is far from finished at Test level.” He suggested that Price’s “disappointing season last season” motivated him to “worked really hard to get himself right for this season.” English concluded, “I wouldn’t write him off. No chance. Plus, Gregor Townsend really admires him, so he’s very far from done.”