Former Scotland star Jim Hamilton acknowledges the significant loss of Sione Tuipulotu to injury but still sees potential for a Six Nations title challenge for the current squad.
Former Scottish rugby player Jim Hamilton acknowledges the significant impact of Sione Tuipulotu 's injury on Scotland's Six Nations campaign but remains optimistic about their chances. Hamilton emphasizes the difference in this current Scottish squad, citing the presence of numerous players who have tasted success on trophy-winning club teams. This, he argues, makes them a formidable force, capable of challenging for the 2025 championship.
Hamilton points to the Champions Cup and Top 14 winning Blair Kinghorn at Toulouse, John Gray's Premiership and Champions Cup triumphs with Exeter and Bordeaux, and the URC-winning Glasgow contingent including Huw Jones, Stafford McDowall, Rory Darge, Matt and Zander Fagerson. He also highlights the importance of Finn Russell's fitness and the contributions of Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham.Despite the talent within the squad, Hamilton recognizes the substantial blow Tuipulotu's absence deals to Scotland. He praises Tuipulotu's on and off-field contributions, his ability to carry the ball over the gain-line, score tries, make impactful tackles, and orchestrate Glasgow's attack. Hamilton expresses concern that Tuipulotu's absence will expose another Scottish weakness: the 'mercurial' nature of Finn Russell. He explains that the inside-center role is crucial for Scotland due to the amount of pressure Russell faces from opposing teams, and that Tuipulotu's leadership and understanding of Russell's game were essential to Scotland's success. Hamilton speculates that Tuipulotu's injury may have cost him a chance at captaining the British and Irish Lions, although he predicts Andy Farrell will likely choose an Irishman like Caelan Doris for the position.
Sione Tuipulotu Scotland Rugby Six Nations Jim Hamilton Finn Russell Lions Captaincy
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