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Murrayfield Stadium
14:15, 09/03/2019
I'd actually probably have gone for Scotland if they had Finn back AND decent options at 12 & 13. But they don't, so I cant see them scoring more than one try.
Finn is back as far as I know. I hope Sam Johnson plays 12 with McDowell or Johnstone outside him but I have a feeling GT will shoehorn Horne (pardon the pun) or Harris in somehow. Not sure Watson, Nel and Skinner will be match sharp. Wales by 5.
I'd also be curious to see Kinghorn at 13 (if his defending is up to it) with Maitland at 15 and McGuigan on the wing with Seymour. Maybe not the time to be going so left field.
Is Huw Jones definitely out?
That sounds crazy, but yes, Townsend needs to get creative around his centres. If he doesn't like Dunbar, the rest are crocked, his selections this tournament haven't quite made the grade and he doesn't like the look of the Edinburgh duo then maybe some wild experimentation is in order with Kinghorn. You'd lose a lot with his aerial ability and boot though if you moved him to centre though.
I can't think of any other massively experimental centre options. Laidlaw at 10 again and Finn at 12?
Is Huw Jones definitely out?
I think a pairing to watch will be Ritchie + Watson. Watson is great, and Ritchie's having a good 6N so far. I think they will really help Scotland at the breakdown
How are Wales fans feeling about the loss of Cory Hill? Will Jake Ball come in and fill the void? I'd much rather it was AWJ who was out - he was an absolute beast against England and for me is the pick of the captains so far. He really is leading by example and showing such intensity.
J Gray is not the beast he was 2-3 years ago for whatever reason. I would be tempted to start Skinner along with Gilchrist with Gray coming off the bench and giving his all for the last 20-30.
I think he 'should' be AWJ's first choice partner but Beard, Ball and even Seb Davies (though management seem to prefer developing him in the back row) are fine replacements. I personally like Ball a lot but I have a feeling that Gats will go with Beard.
Early team announcement, only change being Beard in for Hill and Ball on the bench.