Scotland have built the foundations for the future and will now pick on form in the Six Nations, says interim head coach Scott Johnson.
In the wake of Saturday’s 21-15 loss to Australia, where the Scots gave a more encouraging performance but fell short of a third successive win against the Wallabies, Johnson signalled that a year of experimentation and broadening the player base was over.
Instead, when Scotland play Ireland in Dublin in the Six Nations opener on February 2, it will be his strongest available side, tried and tested through six test matches since the summer tour to South Africa.
“I have just said to the players we are going to have a form element here now,” he said in the wake of the Wallabies loss. “Everybody (we wanted) got a run out in these games.
“Through the year we were lucky enough to get ten new caps, three of them in this period. We are expanding the depth of the competition in the squad.
“Some are not where they need to be and we know that but it was good experience for them.
“Come the Six Nations form will merit selection. I have to pick on form to win it, I am not walking away from that. We will get the right people in the room.
“Trust me, this team is going to build towards something good.”
For more from Steve Scott at Murrayfield, see Monday’s Courier or try our digital edition.