"Ridiculous" – The Bizarre Reason Finn Russell Can't Play for Scotland This Weekend

10/30/2024 07:26 AM

Gregor Townsend's Scotland squad is gearing up for their Autumn Nations Series opener against Fiji at Murrayfield this weekend, but they'll be without some of their biggest stars.

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Fly-half Finn Russell and utility back Blair Kinghorn are out, as the match falls just before the official Test window, meaning Premiership and Top 14 clubs aren't required to release players.

Townsend's faced similar restrictions before and will be calling on his squad depth to step up, giving fans a look at some new faces as Scotland go toe-to-toe with a dangerous Fijian side.

Fiji Arrive in Red-Hot Form After Pacific Nations Cup Success

Fiji come into this clash with confidence soaring. They dominated the Pacific Nations Cup, going unbeaten and bringing home the title with a massive win over Japan in the final. And this isn't just the classic Fijian flair; this team is blending their legendary speed and offloads with a new sense of discipline and defensive strength that's seriously paying off.

It's always said that Fiji could be world-beaters if they matched their attack with defensive grit, and this season they're proving it. They've added balance to their game, and after recent scalps against England and Australia, they're here to show they're not just fan favorites—they're serious contenders.

Scotland Face a New-Look Fiji

This isn't the same Fijian side that teams could bank on outscoring. Townsend's men will need to be sharp and ready for a fast-paced, physical showdown against a team that can pull tries out of thin air. Fiji's wins over England and Australia last year showed they're no longer just about spectacular attack—they've got the defensive chops to back it up.

Scotland will rely on their depth, and with Russell and Kinghorn missing, they'll need to be on their game, taking every opportunity to put points on the board and contain Fiji's relentless pressure.

All Eyes on Murrayfield

This matchup promises to be an absolute thriller. Townsend's squad might be missing some big names, but Scotland's still ready to give Fiji a run for their money. And for Fiji, it's another chance to show they're leveling up from entertainers to true rugby powerhouses.

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Seven HUGE Shocks as Steve Borthwick Drops Elite Contract List – Fans Can't Believe These Big-Name Snubs!

While fan-favorite fly-halves George Ford, Marcus Smith, and Fin Smith secured their places, a few seasoned veterans and rising stars were unexpectedly left off the list.

Here’s a breakdown of the big names left in the cold:

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins)

Known for his larger-than-life personality and notorious social media presence, Harlequins prop Joe Marler has been a stalwart in England's front row for over a decade. Marler’s experience and resilience have made him a fan favorite, but he finds himself off the initial elite contract roster. Many believed his scrummaging expertise would secure him a spot, especially given the lack of tighthead props in the group. Is Borthwick looking toward the next generation of props? Time will tell.

2. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)

Leicester’s iconic tighthead Dan Cole, who boasts over 100 caps for England, also misses out. Cole’s scrummaging dominance is well-documented, and he's a household name in English rugby circles. His exclusion raises eyebrows, as he's been a vital presence in England's set-piece. Perhaps the 36-year-old veteran's omission signals an intent to groom younger props for the future.

3. Sam Underhill (Bath RFC)

Bath's powerhouse back-rower Sam Underhill is another standout name left off the list. Renowned for his bone-crunching tackles and defensive work, Underhill's omission has been met with surprise. His impact in England's 2019 World Cup run was immense, and he's still at the peak of his game, so his absence could indicate a shifting focus toward bolstering England's attacking options.

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