Tom Jordan’s Emergence Creates Competition in Scotland’s Back Three

During Wednesday’s BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast, former captain Rory Lawson discussed Tom Jordan’s display against South Africa, noting that he occasionally confused the full-back with Huw Jones during live commentary. This confusion was likely shared by others, as Jordan’s movement style resembles Jones’s, a significant commendation given its rarity. His running ability and approach to challenging defenses are comparable to those of a centre. He is characterized as an elusive, powerful, and clever player. Despite the nascent stage of Jordan’s international career, his impact has been considerable. He has excelled at full-back, a position considered his third strongest, following fly-half – a role he occupied during Glasgow’s URC victory – and centre, where he has frequently played. Currently in the final year of his contract with Glasgow, Jordan is set to depart at the conclusion of the season to join Bristol Bears. His versatility positions him as a potentially transformative player for Gregor Townsend. Jordan’s emergence is introducing significant changes. Blair Kinghorn, who has performed well for Toulouse and was considered a definite choice at full-back (15) for Scotland, now faces competition from Jordan, who is described as brave, proficient under the high ball, and dangerous in attack. Finn Russell and Adam Hastings also have a new contender at fly-half (10). While Russell is expected to retain his position for key matches, Jordan poses a significant challenge to Hastings’ inclusion in every 23-man squad moving forward. Further implications are anticipated. When all players are fit, six primary candidates are available for the back three roles: Kinghorn, Jordan, Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Kyle Steyn, and Kyle Rowe. Selecting a starting back three and a cover from this group presents various strong combinations, such as Kinghorn-Van der Merwe-Graham with Jordan as cover, or Jordan-Steyn-Van der Merwe with Kinghorn as cover. Given Jordan and Kinghorn’s capacity to play in various positions, Townsend might be inclined to more frequently opt for a 6-2 forwards-to-backs split on the bench. Townsend’s forward options have also expanded. Max Williamson is no longer merely an emerging talent at lock; he has established himself. Should Jonny Gray become available for the Six Nations, it would be beneficial. Otherwise, Williamson and Alex Samuel, described as two young and ambitious Glasgow players, are strongly contending for selection. Gregor Brown is now a significant option at number six. An injury prevented Euan Ferrie from participating in the autumn series, but he is expected to soon challenge for a bench position. Scotland did not capitalize on opportunities against the Boks and were overwhelmed by their physical strength in the final stages of the game, yet this autumn period has generated notable discussions. Questions arise regarding Williamson’s potential start in the Six Nations and the strategic approach to the back three. Kinghorn is capable of playing full-back, wing, and fly-half (10). Jordan can cover full-back, inside centre (12), and fly-half (10). Steyn, Glasgow’s captain and a key contributor to their URC championship, is considered a primary choice for wing. Van der Merwe, known for his power and unpredictability, would also secure a starting spot. Consequently, if a 6-2 bench split is adopted, it could mean the exclusion of Graham and Rowe from the squad, despite both being highly skilled players. It is increasingly evident that Jordan’s presence is creating beneficial selection dilemmas for Townsend concerning his back three composition and bench options.