Scotland’s defensive coach, Steve Tandy, anticipates a strategic shift from the Flying Fijians in their upcoming match, expecting them to incorporate a greater emphasis on kicking compared to their traditional playing style. Tandy remains cautious, however, about Fiji’s exceptional handling capabilities, noting, “I think they’ve still got the threat of offloads and picks through the middle.”
He acknowledges that Fiji has diversified their gameplay, which now includes notable kicking threats alongside their fierce offloading game; this versatility could pose a significant challenge for Scotland’s defense. Tandy mentioned the possibility of unexpected moments that can emerge during the game, saying, “Something magical can happen as well.”
In more encouraging news for Scotland, star winger Darcy Graham is set to return from injury, boosting team morale ahead of the Autumn Nations Series. Graham’s return is eagerly anticipated as he joins his teammates for the series of matches against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal, and Australia at Murrayfield. Having been sidelined since the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to various injuries, Tandy expressed optimism about Graham’s performance, highlighting how he appears to be regaining his form and confidence.
Graham, 27, stands joint third on Scotland’s all-time top try-scorer list with 24 tries and is eager to increase that tally, especially since his last international try was during the World Cup against Romania. His comeback is particularly significant as he has faced numerous injury challenges over the past two years.
This upcoming match against Fiji could not only provide Graham with a platform to showcase his talent once again but also serve as a critical moment for the Scotland team as they aim to solidify their strategies against a formidable opponent. With Tandy’s insights and Graham’s return, Scotland appears ready to embrace the challenges ahead with optimism.
Summary: Steve Tandy, Scotland’s defensive coach, anticipates a more diversified and kicking-heavy strategy from Fiji, while highlighting their offload skills. The return of winger Darcy Graham from injury boosts Scotland’s morale as they prepare for the Autumn Nations Series, aiming to capitalize on Graham’s scoring potential against a strong Fijian side.
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