Rory Darge will make his first Scotland start against France in the Six Nations at Murrayfield
(Picture: Getty Images)Scotland hope rookie flanker Rory Darge’s pace and breakdown prowess can run France’s giant pack off their feet and end their Six Nations Grand Slam charge.
France head to Murrayfield as the only team yet to lose in this season’s Championship and have had the luxury of making just a single change to their strong side, with the powerful centre Jonathan Danty in for the injured Gabin Villiere and Yoram Moefana shifting to the wing.
Scotland, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing loss in Cardiff and have taken just two matches to develop a lengthy injury list, including Jamie Ritchie, Matt Fagerson, Rory Sutherland, Jonny Gray and Cameron Redpath. That has led to Gregor Townsend pairing Darge — who turned 22 this week and makes his first Test start — and Hamish Watson as twin opensides on the flanks. Townsend knows his undermanned team cannot outmuscle France, but hopes to outrun them and outclass them at the breakdown.
“France have got the biggest pack in the world, so we’re going to be lighter than France, no matter who we pick,” said Townsend. “Rory punches above his weight, just like Hamish. In terms of the influence both of them can have on the game, technically it’s very, very solid and aggressive defence, both at mauls and off tackles. Having two players that maybe are smaller than the opposition could be an advantage.
“Rory is a unique player. His ability to break tackles, his ability to jackal, his work-rate and his unflappability, we first saw that when he came into the camp last year.”
After defeat to Wales, Townsend knows that Scotland cannot slip up. “We believe in our team but it is our last chance to be in the race for a trophy at the end of the season,” he said. They have beaten France in the last two Six Nations, but doing so again — even at home — will prove a mighty challenge.
