Scotland ready to offer England U20 fly-half call-up rather than Finn Russell
Rugby NewsSunday, 06 November 2022 at 11:12
Gregor Townsend has stepped up his efforts to persuade Fin Smith to commit to Scotland after Adam Hastings suffered a concussion during their 28-12 win against Fiji at Murrayfield.
Hastings was forced off early in the second half during Saturday's 28-12 win over Fiji with a head knock and is also having a knee injury assessed.
When asked, Townsend said Finn Russell would be in the mix.
"If Adam is out, Finn would be in the mix, of course," Townsend insisted.
However, Townsend's first choice to replace Hastings would be dual-qualified Smith should the number 10 accept a call-up.
“I have spoken to Fin a few times, prior to this summer and also over the last couple of months,” revealed Townsend.
“He got a bad injury in training so has only been available for his new club Northampton for the last couple of months.
“It has been great having conversations with him. He is a young man but he is very mature and understands the game and has very strong links to Gala so that is always a good thing,
“He will maybe have to make a decision sooner than people think because he is a very good player,
"I am sure England will be after him as well. He hadn’t played till last week so his focus will be with his new club and getting back playing again in the middle of the November Tests so I would imagine his conversion with us and England will continue after this November period.”
Scotland next Sunday host a New Zealand side who on Saturday crushed Wales 55-23 in Cardiff.
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RANKED: Which 2022 Autumn Squad Has the Most Foreign-Born Players?
RUCK takes an in-depth look at the foreign-born players in each of the home nations Autumn Nations Series squad, and where they were born. It's an interesting list for sure.
#4. IRELAND - 8: One more than 2021
- Jeremy Loughman (USA)
- Rob Herring (South Africa)
- Finlay Bealham (Australia)
- Joe McCarthy (USA)
- Jamison Gibson-Park (New Zealand)
- Joey Carbery (New Zealand)
- Ciaran Frawley (Australia)
- Mack Hansen (Australia)
#3. ENGLAND - 8: Four more than 2021
Having been openly critical of Scotland and Wales for their selection policy, Eddie Jones has recalled a few legends while also bringing in a number of uncapped players born overseas.
You can see the full squad for the games against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa next month by clicking here.
- Manu Tuilagi (Samoa)
- Marcus Smith (Phillipines)
- Bevan Rodd (Scotland)
- David Ribbans (South Africa)
- Mako Vunipola (New Zealand)
- Billy Vunipola (Australia)
- Val Rapava-Ruskin (Georgia)
- Joe Cokanasiga (Fiji)
Marcus Smith of England scores a penalty during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#2.WALES - 11 players: Three less than 2021
- Josh Macleod (Monaco)
- Tomas Francis (England)
- Ben Carter (England)
- Will Rowlands (England)
- Taulupe Faletau (Tonga)
- Dan Lydiate (England)
- Christ Tshiunza (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- Gareth Anscombe (New Zealand)
- George North (England)
- Nick Tompkins (England)
- Alex Cuthbert (England)
Taulupe Faletau during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK
#1.SCOTLAND - 17: Same as 2021
- Ewan Ashman (Canada)
- WP Nel (South Africa)
- Pierre Schoeman (South Africa)
- Sam Skinner (England)
- Josh Bayliss (England)
- Andy Christie (England)
- Jack Dempsey (Australia)
- Nick Haining (Australia)
- Hamish Watson (England)
- Ali Price (England)
- Ben White (England)
- Chris Harris (England)
- Cameron Redpath (France)
- Sione Tuipulotu (Australia)
- Rufus McLean (USA)
- Kyle Steyn (South Africa)
- Duhan van der Mewe (South Africa)
Final whistle celebrations for Scott Steele of Scotland and Hamish Watson of Scotland during the Six Nations Championship, 127th Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on January 6 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
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