There will be talk over the next week or two, as there usually is in the buildup to any Six Nations these days, of the possibility of a first Scotland title since five became six at the start of the millennium. The weary will roll their eyes, so familiar is the pang of yet more Scottish disappointment, but if this time, seriously, a title really, really is on the cards, the reason might be found in midfield.
The Scotland centre pairing is so established now, for club and country, it comes with its own compound name: Huwipulotu. As Brangelina could have told them, or any cockapoo, the conferring of a portmanteau indicates a special place in the firmament. Sure enough, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones are on most rugby folk’s shortlists for the Lions tour this year. The more excitable have even started dubbing them the best centre pairing in the world.
