Scotland’s dismal second-half display against New Zealand last week was always likely to put several players’ places under scrutiny.
Following the 43-21 defeat, in which Scotland failed to score after half-time, head coach Gregor Townsend warned that nobody in his squad was guaranteed selection.
Unlike several of their previous meetings with the All Blacks, this contest was never particularly close. Scotland were outplayed across the pitch, and Townsend made it clear that the performance fell well below the required standard.
A number of key players were also far short of their best, including Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, Kyle Steyn, Zander Fagerson, Ben White and Jack Dempsey.
With Australia visiting Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon, however, it always seemed unlikely that Townsend would drop either Russell or Tuipulotu.
Even so, the rest of the group can consider themselves fortunate that Townsend did not make more sweeping changes. Just two alterations were made to the starting XV.
Gregor Townsend watched his squad in training before deciding against wholesale changes
Darcy Graham and Blair Kinghorn return to the back three, while Kyle Rowe and Jamie Dobie drop out. The forward pack remains untouched.
For Fagerson, Dempsey, Steyn and White, the selection represents a reprieve — and an opportunity to respond in what Scotland must win if they are to keep their Nations Championship hopes alive.
Had Townsend been more ruthless, or had Scotland possessed greater depth in certain positions, some of those players might have been left out.
Fagerson’s situation is partly explained by the lack of genuine alternatives at tighthead prop, despite his outstanding form over many years for both Scotland and Glasgow Warriors.
Dempsey appeared short of match sharpness against New Zealand after playing only once since his move to Japan during the summer.
Steyn and White were similarly unable to exert their usual influence. White, in particular, is fortunate to retain his place ahead of George Horne.
Did Townsend back away from the changes he had threatened? Did he give those players an escape route? And should they regard another opportunity as a lucky break?
“You would have to ask them,” the Scotland head coach said. “I think after a defeat, every player understands that changes could be made. Certain players will know they did not perform as well as they are capable of.
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu struggled against New Zealand and will be determined to respond
“They know opportunities to play for Scotland can come and go if they are not performing. Most of the squad have the chance to put things right this week.
“You always examine the possibility of changes. When we begin the selection process, I ask every coach what their 15 would be and what their 23 would look like.
“The 15 or 23 I initially had in mind was not the same by the end of the discussion, but that is normally how these conversations develop.
“We assess every position, the balance between forwards and backs, who should start, who is best suited to the bench and whether someone outside the squad should be brought in.
“There is one additional forward this week because we have gone with a 6-2 split. As I said, changes are always considered.
“The positive news is that, although there were some bumps and bruises, everyone who played last week is available. They will be highly motivated to perform better this weekend.”
There is also a chance that Ollie Leatherbarrow will make his Scotland debut against the Wallabies after being included among the replacements.
The Newcastle Red Bulls back-rower qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother, who came from Perth.
“Ollie has settled in very well,” Townsend said of the 24-year-old. “When a player joins a new team, you want them to do their preparation, learn the language and understand the systems. Ollie has done all of that.
Newcastle back-rower Ollie Leatherbarrow could make his Scotland debut against Australia
“That can be challenging when you arrive in a new environment, but he deserves credit for staying on top of everything. The 6-2 split also helps because he can cover all three back-row positions.”
Scotland understand the importance of Sunday’s match. A victory is essential if they are to preserve any hope of making an impact in the Nations Championship. Japan will visit Murrayfield next weekend, before the competition concludes with finals weekend at Twickenham.
After making encouraging progress during this year’s Six Nations, Townsend wants Scotland to regain their momentum as they look towards 2027 and the looming World Cup.
Determined to see a reaction against Australia, he said: “We were not good enough to win last weekend. Naturally, you have to acknowledge the quality of the opposition and the way they played, but the focus must be on what we could have done better and where that might have taken us.
“We did not play our best rugby, yet we want to measure ourselves against the strongest teams in the world. We have faced South Africa and New Zealand in recent months, the two highest-ranked teams in the world. Our performance against South Africa was much better than the one against New Zealand.
“The frustration is that we failed to produce our best, or anything close to it. I was more disappointed by the first half than the second because we created opportunities and played some excellent rugby at times. We took three chances, but there were several more we should have converted.
“At the moment, New Zealand are a better side than us. They are ranked above us and they beat us last weekend. We want the chance to face them and the other top teams again so we can show our best. That is what we are working towards at the World Cup.”
