(Reuters) – The weekend clash between Scotland and Ireland will not only set the tone for the rest of their respective Six Nations campaigns, but also provide some pointers towards selection for the British & Irish Lions.
Sunday’s meeting at Murrayfield offers some intriguing individual battles as players jostle to catch the eye ahead of the Lions tour to Australia in mid-year.
In particular, there will be two Scottish players looking to emerge from the fringes and stake solid claims for selection, using the opportunity of going up against experienced Irish opposition.
Scotland’s Huw Jones is set to go up against the Irish centre pairing of Bundee Aki and Gary Ringrose, looking to catch the eye of Lions coach Andy Farrell after a hat-trick of tries in the winning 31-19 start over Italy at home last weekend.
Another intriguing battle awaits as Scottish scrumhalf Ben White hopes his impending tussle with the highly-rated Irish No. 9 Jamison Gibson-Park enhances his Lions chances.
“It’s every kid’s dream but I know if I strip it all back, I just have to be training well, competing well and playing well for Scotland,” White told reporters.
“That’s all that matters and if I’m not doing that, then nothing else is fathomable.”
“He’s a fantastic scrumhalf that’s played very well for Ireland and been a key figure for that Ireland team for the last couple of years,” White said of Gibson-Park.
“I think the way that he plays the game is very smart. He has a fantastic passing game and he controls the way that Ireland play really well.
“So yeah, it’ll obviously be a great challenge and it’s something that I’m really excited for.”
FAVOURABLE REVIEW
Jones was given a favourable review by Scotland coach Gregor Townsend, who was part of the Lions’ backroom staff on their last tour to South Africa four years ago, after last Saturday’s victory over Italy.
“He would be an asset (to the Lions). He’s played really well now for a couple of years at the highest level in big games,” said Townsend.
“I thought in the game against South Africa back in the autumn, he was outstanding, breaking tackles against what is regarded as the best defensive team in the world.
“He’s a world-class finisher and a very good passer too and a more complete player now. That comes from more of his defensive displays. He’s very, very good in defence and that’s a tough position to defend in at 13,” the coach added.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.