Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is known for his unpredictable selections, with fans often referring to his approach as the “Toonie Tombola.” His latest surprise came with the call-up of Alex Masibaka, a player few had on their radar. But while Townsend’s selections have certainly caught the public’s eye, his teams have been relatively consistent, making Scotland one of the more settled squads in the Six Nations.
However, ahead of the 2025 Six Nations opener against Italy, Townsend faces some tough decisions due to a series of injuries to key players, with the biggest blow being the absence of captain Sione Tuipulotu. This disruption raises several dilemmas for Townsend as he prepares to name his starting XV for the match at Murrayfield.
Key Dilemmas for Townsend
1. Who Replaces Tuipulotu at Inside Centre?
Tuipulotu’s injury leaves a significant void at inside centre. Townsend will need to choose between Stafford McDowall, Tom Jordan, and Rory Hutchison to partner Huw Jones in midfield. McDowall has been a regular in the squad, but Hutchison and Jordan each bring different skill sets to the table. McDowall’s steady and reliable style might be the go-to, but the unpredictability of Hutchison or Jordan could offer more spark in attack.
2. Who Partners Jonny Gray in the Lock?
With Scott Cummings sidelined, Townsend has another key selection to make in the second row. Will he go with the experienced Grant Gilchrist, the younger and dynamic Sam Skinner, or another option entirely? This selection will set the tone for the physicality and lineout strategy against Italy.
3. Who Will Wear the Captaincy?
With Tuipulotu out, the captaincy responsibility falls to either Rory Darge or Finn Russell. Darge’s leadership on the field and his tireless work rate make him a worthy contender, but Russell’s experience and influence as the fly-half could make him the logical choice. How does Townsend balance experience with leadership qualities here?
4. Who Starts in the Backline?
Scotland’s backline is one of the most potent in the Six Nations, but the absence of Tuipulotu raises questions about the composition of the midfield. Will Townsend stick with a more traditional 12-13 combination, or look to add creativity by shifting players around?
5. Lions Ambitions and Future Selections
As the Six Nations unfolds, several players will be looking to impress ahead of the British and Irish Lions’ summer tour to Australia. Townsend’s selections will not only impact the tournament but could also influence who gets the nod for the Lions. A strong showing against Italy could secure spots in both the Six Nations and the Lions squad for certain players.
Your Scotland XV?
So, how would you line up Scotland for the opener against Italy and beyond? Townsend has plenty of options, but the injuries to key players will make his selections even more critical. Who should feature first and foremost against the Azzurri, and how would you make the best choices for the rest of the tournament?
