In the past, Scotland squad announcements for the Rugby World Cup have thrown up the odd surprise or at least created controversy.
Eight years ago, for example, Tim Swinson was included in Vern Cotter’s final group despite his original omission from the wider training squad because of injury.
Yet thanks to the methodical manner in which Gregor Townsend has narrowed down his group, this time round there were no shocks. Close calls, yes. Debatable decisions, definitely. But nothing at all left-field.
Having started with a squad of 41, the head coach cut that to 37 ten days ago by dropping Adam Hastings, Kyle Rowe, Cameron Henderson and Stafford McDowall. Then last week Townsend revealed that Jamie Dobie had dropped out of the running for one of the three scrum-half berths, which reduced the number to 36, leaving just three more omissions to be made before reaching the permitted maximum for the World Cup of 33.
Given the make-up of the squad, it was always likely that the final three to be cut would be a prop, a hooker, and a back-row forward, and so it proved yesterday. Murphy Walker was the prop to drop out, with new Edinburgh tighthead Javan Sebastian getting the nod.
Josh Bayliss - who had only been called up after another back-row forward, Andy Christie, had to withdraw through injury - also missed the cut. Luke Crosbie was the direct beneficiary of that decision. And Stuart McInally was revealed as the hooker who was surplus to requirements, Dave Cherry, George Turner and Ewan Ashman having been preferred.
But while none of those choices was a huge surprise, they were no less disappointing for those who were the victims of them, especially McInally, who recently announced that he will retire after the World Cup to become an airline pilot. The former Edinburgh and Scotland captain’s non-selection may mean that his appearance off the bench in last weekend’s loss to France was the last action of an illustrious career. However, as Townsend reminded us after revealing his final selection, injuries are a regrettably regular occurrence in modern rugby, and there is thus a realistic chance that some of those axed yesterday or at a previous stage will be called up as replacements during the tournament.
“There was obviously real disappointment,” the coach said of the reaction of those who were left out. “You'll get different views and different conversations. Sometimes they're quiet, sometimes they're very grateful for the opportunity they've had over the last two months and sometimes there's anger that they've missed out on something that's a big goal in their lives.
“What I've said to all of them is 'Be ready for your opportunity', because our sport involves injuries. So I'd be very surprised if the 33 we've announced today remains the same as we go through the tournament. Those players that missed out could still play a big role at this tournament.
“I know it's very tough for Stuart, because he put everything into the training camp. He was one of our best trainers, he really was. He had two games off the bench and played well, but we just feel the blend with the hookers is the one we wanted for this tournament. [France away] could be the last game Stuart plays for Scotland, but it might not be, and he's just got to be ready for that opportunity if it does come.”
Captain Jamie Ritchie, who turned 27 yesterday, revealed he had spoken to McInally to thank him for the beneficial influence he has had on his career. “I said to him I was just really grateful to him, because he's been there throughout my career and he's been such a huge part of it in terms of being someone I would turn to for advice. Any time I needed him, he was there.
“If you were to speak to anyone who has been involved with the squad with him, I think they would tell you he would be someone they would turn to in any situation, whether on or off the field, if they had good or bad news, or if they needed life advice. He's just that type of person. He's had an outstanding career and he's a special human.”
Like McInally, Bath flanker Bayliss has been involved off the bench twice in the three warm-up games, but Townsend implied that Crosbie and the other back-rows had more credit in the bank. “Josh has really impressed us at training and really put his hand up for selection. A lot of his strengths fit with how we want to play and how we use our back-rowers.
“But when you put that up against other back-rowers in the squad, those guys have gone really well for us this season. So it was a tough decision, but we’re delighted with the make-up of the back row we’ve selected.”
In the front row, Sebastian’s performance in the set piece was key to his being preferred to Walker. “The Murphy and Javan one was definitely a close decision. Javan probably grabbed his opportunity against Italy. Those scrums in the second half were excellent - he’s taken a lot of confidence from that and I thought he played really well when he came off the bench at the weekend.”
The ability to play on both sides of the scrum has been seen as one of Walker’s strengths, but Townsend is now viewing him only as a contender at tighthead. Glasgow’s Allan Dell will be next in line if there are any injuries at loosehead.
