5 days ago
Was Scotland's summer tour a success or failure?
We asked for your views on whether Scotland's summer tour should be regarded as a success or a failure.
Here's what some of you said:
Abigail: I don't think it can be classed as a success without the win in Fiji. However, I do believe the players on the tour will have learned a lot during their game time. The players built strong cohesion to end the tour and some players really stood out for Scotland selection, which is the ultimate aim. Especially Jamie Dobie, Andy Christie, Fergus Burke, Gregor Brown, Kyle Rowe, Ben Muncaster and Ollie Smith.
George: Yes, it was a success because of the amount of first-team players who were missing. They did great against Samoa.
Bernard: No, it's been a failure. We couldn't find our game against Fiji and got beat for it. Winning against Samoa isn't getting us into the top-six rankings, which means another group of death in the next World Cup. Gregor Townsend's time is up.
Jake: The Fiji game was billed as crucial to our World Cup seeding so the success of the tour can only be judged on this game. We once again showed a complete inability to perform when it really matters; characteristic of Townsend's tenure as head coach. The only way the tour could be judged a success is if the higher-ups at the SRU finally see sense off the back of this fresh failure and remove Townsend.
Kev: I'm counting the performance of the Dobie-Burke combination as a success. They looked class against Samoa, with the creative emphasis taken on by Dobie while Burke attacked the line with solid skill. Of course the Fiji result is not ideal, but the exposure of the wider squad to test match rugby is a plus. Christie and Fin Richardson also looked up to speed and offering something to be hopeful for in the future.
Stuart: The Scots did their job well against Samoa. Ewan Ashman had a good game, his first for a while. Arron Reed and Rowe connected well, as did Burke in the midfield. Fiji was a disaster but a good look at the talent coming through. Townsend has done well. The players let him down badly last week.
Tam: Scotland still lack the killer instinct when they are ahead of teams. It's something which has not been addressed. We are able to fight back great and hold out wins here or there, however there is a lack of cutting edge, especially in second-half performances. Townsend says we showed character. We know we have that within us but it's taking teams to the sword which we lack.
