Gregor Townsend on Liam McConnell debut

Gregor Townsend on giving a Scotland debut to Liam McConnell

Transcript

00:00The line-up, obviously, you've only got the Scottish-based boys to pick from.

00:04You've got New Zealand coming next weekend. What was the thinking behind this team that you've selected for the USA?

00:10Well, there's a balance in the team of players that are experienced,

00:15which I think will raise the level of performance, help those players that are coming into the squad for the first time.

00:22We're going to put on a very good performance in front of a big crowd.

00:26And in terms of individuals, we've looked at players that may require more match minutes.

00:32It has been a disrupted season for some of our players because of injury.

00:37For someone like Scott Cummins, who went on the Lions Tour, he came into the season a bit later.

00:44So we think for him getting another game will be really valuable.

00:48Liam McConnell gets his first start. What have you?

00:51We spoke to him earlier in the week and he was just saying how much he's enjoying the whole experience.

00:55been in and around it. What have you seen from him that makes you think there's a good Scotland player there?

01:01Oh, there is. We selected him on what he's been doing with Edinburgh, but also his potential.

01:07We've seen an all-round game from him already this season.

01:11His skills in attack, whether it's little short passes, off-loads, his ball-carrying ability,

01:17his confidence to put his skills or show his skills under pressure.

01:23And those are the really additional elements that we've seen because what Liam really impressed us back in the under-20s

01:31and whenever we've had him in our environment, it's his aggression, his effort.

01:37One of the fittest players I know coming through Edinburgh's pre-season.

01:41So, yeah, he's put in the work and now he's getting the rewards.

01:45I agree.

01:46I agree.

01:47I agree.

01:48I agree.

01:49I agree.