Gregor Townsend has urged his Scotland players to “attack” the upcoming Six Nations and give “everything they have got” after learning from the pain of last year’s campaign.
Townsend named a 37-man squad for the opening games against Italy and Ireland with Saracens fly half Fergus Burke, 25, a new call-up.
Burke, born in New Zealand but eligible to play for Scotland and England, has chosen to commit his international career to the Scots.
Glasgow Warriors captain Kyle Steyn has missed out with a knee injury but will be close to the Scotland camp in the hope he can play later in the championship.
Townsend on calling-up Fergus Burke
“I chatted to Fergus before he signed for Saracens. We’ve known about his Scottish heritage for two or three years now.
“He was in consideration in November but we didn’t feel his game at that time got him into our squad.
“He is someone who really understands the game from an attacking perspective, a very good defender and he can also play full back.
“It was never really a question of asking him if he would commit to Scotland but about connecting and giving him feedback around his game, then letting him know he was getting closer to [making] squads, and that that could happen in a few weeks’ time.
“I’m sure his thought process and conversations with those close to him were occurring then but, when I asked him on Monday if he would commit to Scotland he said yes, it would be a privilege.”
Townsend on Kyle Steyn missing out
“Kyle will be with us on Sunday but he’s not in the squad because he can’t train the next two weeks – but he will be in our group.
“We will know more next week on how that knee is going to be. He won’t be fit for Italy but maybe come into consideration for Ireland.
“England will probably be a more realistic focus but a lot will depend on how it settles down over the next few days.
“It is really disappointing for Kyle and for us because he was in great form and we hope he still has a big part to play in the Six Nations.”
SNS GroupTownsend on strength of Six Nations opponents
“Some countries might not have the same depth as others, or have injury concerns, but the starting XVs of all six countries are going to be strong.
“Home advantage, momentum, luck, injuries, the bounce of a ball, could decide results. I think it is a fascinating tournament.
“Ireland are the reigning champions, France had a really good November, other teams are competing to do better.
“We know it is five very tough fixtures for us.”
SNS GroupTownsend on painful 2024 defeats
“You want to win every game – that’s why you put the work in – but you often get better with painful experiences.
“I feel we are a better team now from the pain we went through in the France and Italy games in particular. We were the better team against Ireland.
“I feel the team has moved on since the last Six Nations and they showed that in the South Africa game [at Murrayfield in November] in particular and parts of the Australia game.
“Losing, and the pain of losing, can make you better but that’s not what we are working towards. We are working towards as many wins as possible.
“This team has had shared experiences together, they know what Six Nations is all about – the preparation that is required and what it takes to win back momentum in games.
“We are in a good place. We have to make sure we attack the next two weeks that we are in camp, and that first game, with everything we have got.”
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