Scotland lacking ‘clutch’ in the big moments
Scott Robertson praised Damien McKenzie’s “clutch” plays that proved decisive as the All Blacks struck late to break Scottish hearts once again.
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It’s something that’s missing from Scotland’s armoury when they come up against the very best sides in the world.
The Scots can mix it with anyone in the Test arena, they have shown that time and again.
However, invariably when it comes to the absolutely critical moments, when a Six Nations campaign or an historic victory against the All Blacks is on the line, they lack the killer instinct.
Scotland’s glass ceiling
Gregor Townsend’s record against South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland now reads: played 18, lost 18.
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On the one hand, you could ask why Scotland, with their meagre resources, should expect to compete with the true Test heavyweights.
But when you consider Argentina, a team of similar quality to Scotland, have managed home and away victories over New Zealand in recent times, we’re entitled to expect the occasional win over the big guns.
Belligerent Brown is a Test match animal
Gregor Brown delivered a towering performance to underline he is a coming force in the international arena.
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He carried with a ferocity that set the tone for the forwards around him, with Jack Dempsey and Grant Gilchrist coming to the fore in that regard too.
A hybrid of lock and flanker – or ‘flock’ – his versatility is a huge asset, and on the evidence of Saturday’s showing against the All Blacks, Brown will take some shifting from this Scotland team.
