Scotland’s defense coach, Steve Tandy, anticipates a shift in the Flying Fijians’ playing style, expecting them to incorporate more kicking into their game plan than was typical in the past. However, Tandy remains cautious of Fiji’s exceptional offloading skills that can create unexpected threats during the match.
Tandy remarked, “They still possess the ability for offloads and powerful runs through the middle. They’ve certainly integrated more kicking into their strategy, which expands their attacking options. We have to be ready for those moments of brilliance where, despite solid defensive positions, a remarkable offload may catch us off guard.”
In other news, Scottish winger Darcy Graham is making his return from injury just in time for the Autumn Nations Series, providing a boost to the Scotland squad. The Edinburgh player, who has been sidelined since the last World Cup pool game against Ireland, is poised to reclaim his form over the next month as Scotland faces off against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal, and Australia at Murrayfield.
Graham has faced a series of injuries that have limited his appearances, not playing in the last two Six Nations Championships. Tandy expressed excitement about Graham’s return, noting his positive demeanor and strong performance in his recent club game: “It’s fantastic to see him back. He’s been bubbly and smiling, and I can see him getting back to his best at Edinburgh.”
At 27 years old, Graham ranks joint third among Scotland’s all-time top try-scorers, with 24 tries to his name. He aims to increase this total as he competes in upcoming matches, especially after his last international performance where he scored four tries against Romania in September 2023.
Graham’s journey has been challenging due to a variety of injuries, affecting his knee, hip, quad, and groin, but he is anticipated to compete against Fiji on Sunday, ready to showcase his talent once again.
This combination of Scotland’s strategic preparations and the returning talent of Graham certainly adds an exciting dynamic to the upcoming series, instilling hope in fans and players alike for positive performances on the field.
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