Five to watch on Scotland's tour of the Pacific
Will Graham show Lions what they're missing?
Second on Scotland's all-time try-scoring list – one behind Duhan van der Merwe – Darcy Graham has long been one of the first names on the team-sheet.With Van der Merwe on Lions duty, the Edinburgh wing has a big opportunity to move ahead – and perhaps even open up a bit of a gap – at the top of that chart.It will be fascinating to see how the 28-year-old responds to his Lions snub. Many thought his pace, rugby IQ, competitive spirit, lethal finishing and game-breaking ability were tailormade for a Lions environment, but he missed the cut.That may not be the end of the story, though. As was shown this week with Ben White's call-up, Lions opportunities may still arise. Graham, and indeed the likes of Rory Darge, Jamie Ritchie and Tom Jordan, will want to show they are in top form and ready should that chance present itself.
Paterson aims to make up for lost time
Harry Paterson has always looked at home on the international stage. Keeping him fit enough to perform there regularly has been the challenge.His memorable Scotland debut against France in the 2024 Six Nations - he played superbly having been thrown into the starting line-up on the morning of the game when Kyle Steyn's wife went into labour – demonstrated a temperament made for Test rugby.Some impressive showings on last summer's tour of the Americas confirmed Paterson's potential to be a big player for Scotland, but a succession of injury problems have hampered his progress.Some valuable game time in a Scotland jersey this summer will hopefully tee-up the Edinburgh full-back for a big season ahead.
Burke ready to enter battle for No.10
The role of chief understudy to Finn Russell as Scotland fly-half has been passed around quite a bit and for quite some time. Now Fergus Burke gets his chance to stake a claim.The New Zealand-born Saracens man, who qualifies for Scotland through his Glaswegian grandparents, was named in the squad for the Six Nations but did not see any action.He should get his Test debut at some point on the summer tour but, with Adam Hastings and Tom Jordan also in the squad, it will be interesting to see how much game time he is afforded.Burke is a former All Blacks under-20 international and will be desperate to play a part in the matches against the Maori All Blacks and Samoa back in his homeland. It will be fascinating to see how he adapts to the Test arena.
Returning Turner helps solve problem position
Townsend must have been doing cartwheels when George Turner announced he would be returning to the UK to join Harlequins and, as such, would once again be available for Scotland.During the year he has spent in Japan with Kobe Steelers – a move that made him unavailable for Test rugby – nobody has made a compelling case to replace him as first-choice hooker.Ewan Ashman's form has fluctuated significantly, Johnny Matthews' face just does not seem to fit with the Scotland selectors and Paddy Harrison still looks a little green for Test rugby.Dave Cherry came in from the cold to claim the starting jersey during the Six Nations, but he is not in the squad and Turner should slot straight back into the number two jersey.His power in the tackle and with ball-in-hand will be a huge asset.
Masibaka the unknown quantity
A classic Townsend left-field selection during the Six Nations that had fans and journos alike googling, "Who is Alex Masibaka?" Now we will get the chance to see what the big man is really all about.Although signed to Montpellier, Masibaka has been playing in the French second division these past two seasons for Soyaux-Angouleme but hopes to establish himself with his parent club in the Top 14 this season.His powerful ball-carrying is said to be the key feature of his game that first attracted the Scotland coaches.Masibaka has already stated the Fiji v Scotland match is an occasion of great personal significance - his mother is Scottish, his father Fijian – that he would love to be a part of and you sense there would be no challenge to get him up for that showdown in Suva.
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