SCOTLAND HAVE DEPTH

For years Scotland have looked on with envy at England, Ireland and even Wales at their strength in depth especially in key positions such as 2, 8, 9, 10 and 15. If a Billy Vunipola got injured, England simply rolled out Nathan Hughes or Ben Morgan, whereas if Scotland's first choice was unavailable they were vulnerable as they only had two professional teams (and they were not great). But things are changing north of the border.

In the back row Gregor Townsend and his coaching team face a rare dilemma in Scotland - choice. Ryan Wilson, Hamish Watson and John Barclay have been regulars over the last couple of seasons, but now they face competition from young bucks like James Ritchie, Matt Fagerson and Magnus Bradbury plus recent converted Scots in David Denton, Blade Thompson, Sam Skinner and now Gary Graham, (who was selected by Eddie Jones but not capped). There are also a few, like Barclay, being brought back from the wilderness such as Josh Strauss, and if John Hardie goes well at Newcastle, he may also come back into consideration - it was only at the last RWC that he was parachuted into the squad from NZ before playing for a club, such was the lack of quality.

Gary Graham faces tough oppo for a place in Scotland's back row

Having options is an odd feeling for Scottish fans, who still get nervous every time Russell, Hogg or Laidlaw go down with a knock. But they can afford now to relax a little with alternatives including:

Out wide
Blair Kinghorn covering full back and wing, Nick Grigg and Sam Johnson in better form than Dunbar or Jones at centre, G Horne, Price and Pyrgos all battling for scrum half berth and Adam Hastings finally offering a class alternative at 10.

Up front
As well as back row, there is back up in every forward  position, whether it be Brown, McNally or Ford at hooker, Dell, Nel, Berghan, Reid, Allan and McCallum at prop, plus Gray brothers, Gilchrist, Toolis, Harley or Skinner in 2nd row.

Stuart Barnes recommends Scotland should forget RWC 2019 and focus on the 6 Nations, as he thinks, with a good start, they could win it. With RWC so important for profile, cash and auto qualification for next tournament, his advice is unlikely to be heeded, but with Scotland's improving strength in depth, I think they will knock over a Top 4 team in Japan - mark my words. Imagine if that was Ireland in the first game of their RWC group, meaning the Irish may then play the AB's in the QF.

Miracles do happen...