Scotland beat Japan to make it back-to-back wins in WXV 2

I think the pecking order at fly-half is 1) Fin; 2) Ford; 3) Marcus; 4) Farrell; 5) Atkinson; 6) Donoghue. But I think there could be a case for dropping Ford from the squad given him and Fin are the only players on that list who aren’t utility options. So you could see something like Fin Smith (as a 10); Marcus Smith (as a utility back); and Atkinson or Donoghue (as a development option). Although I would like to see Ford retained, given how poorly he’s been treated.

To reiterate: I like Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; I like Fields of Athenry. I do not like God Save the King. I’ll defend the former two because they are great. I won’t defend the third.

Good start no matter what anyone says.

Despite the above and the performances of the boks to date, the ABs remain firm favourites to keep there Eden Park record and, probably, to win both home tests.

This is building up to a humdinger series in NZ.

Wouldn’t be surprised if he plays by the end of the year actually. Japan. Certainly by the incoming series in 2026.

Obviously, France doesn’t have England’s depth at 10, Ntamack and Jalibert are 26 and Hastoy 28, but there’s no Sacha FM, Fin Smith or Prendergast behind for now. Reus is the closest, but I don’t see Jurd or Keletanoa (the 10s who played the U20 this year) step up.

On the other hand, in 2018, Ntamack was playing 12 and Carbonel was the big prospect at 10. A year later, Ntamack was already the new 10 at the RWC in Japan.

From what I understood, Segonds was a better tactical fit with his kicking game - long range penalties and long kicks - and Hastoy was supposed to put more dynamics and game management in the second half.