Today Gregor Townsend announced his 31 man squad to head to Japan for Rugby World Cup 2019 as the tournament takes to Asia for the first time. As with all international squads, there were some surprises.

Everyone is of course talking about the dropping of Huw Jones and in-form Northampton Saints’ centre Rory Hutchinson. On the flip-side, people are questioning the inclusion of Toonie favourites, Peter Horne and Chris Harris.

It’s not hard to see where this reaction comes from. Huw Jones announced himself to international rugby with blistering form, helping his side to a famous win over England and consistently looking to carry the side- something only Stuart Hogg has seemingly done for Scotland in recent years. Rory Hutchinson has equally impressed in his first appearances for Scotland this summer and over the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership Season.

Chris Harris on the contrary has had less memorable moments in a Scotland shirt, with some under-whelming early appearances, leading many to question his inclusion. Despite this, he has remained a constant part of Toonie’s squads ever since he broke onto the international scene. Peter Horne has often been on the end of fan criticism too, but is a stalwart of Toonie squads.

Despite the reputation that all of these players carry, I can see logic in the selection.

Huw Jones

Put bluntly, Huw Jones has been out of form. One of Glasgow’s most exciting signings of recent years, fans expected a lot of the young centre. However, he has been consistently kept out of a shirt by the likes of Peter Horne and Sam Johnson and even less experienced guys like Kyle Steyn. A devastating player at his best, Huw Jones can feel frustrated to not be included, but not so much aggrieved on the basis of form.

Rory Hutchinson

Unlucky? By my reckoning, yes. The centre has been making waves in the Gallagher Premiership, but was only rewarded with his first caps for Scotland this summer. He managed two tries in Scotland’s famous defeat of Georgia in Tbilisi and showed up well in cameos vs France, but that was not enough for Gregor Townsend. You would imagine that it was his lack of experience at international rugby counted against him but I’d back him to be the first man on the plane should injury mar Gregor’s team.

Harris and Horne

Lucky? I would say not. Harris has been a solid operator for Newcastle Falcons and brings something a bit different. He looks to have packed on some bulk and as we saw with his bruising try vs France, he is a big guy who can pick a nice line. With Alex Dunbar currently out of form and favour, Harris cuts a similar mould. He’s generally solid in defence and in a team with exciting players such as Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg, Harris brings something a bit more stoic and physical to the party.

Peter Horne on the other hand is tried and tested internationally and crucially, his distribution skills provide Townsend with cover, should anything happen to one of his first-choice tens. Many highlight his susceptibility to lapses such as throwing intercepts such as the one vs France just weeks ago. However, in a World Cup squad, a guy with such a versatile skillset is absolutely invaluable to step-in. That aside, Horne should be given the respect he is due in his own-right as a silky operator in the midfield.

The Scribbler, 3rd September, 2019

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