BBC Scotland’s Tom English answers your Scottish rugby questions

After Scotland’s record win against Fiji, and with South Africa on the horizon, we put some of your questions to chief sportswriter Tom English.

Rob asked: This might seem like a crazy question given his try-scoring record, but do you think Duhan van der Merwe could be even more effective for both club and country if the way he and the team around him play, was tweaked?

Tom answered: I think Duhan van der Merwe scores the tries he scores because of the way the team plays. I’m not sure you can set up the team any better for him and for Darcy Graham. Finn Russell is also keen to go wide with a pass or with the boot and I’m not sure I have ever seen a better passing 10 than him or, for that matter a 10 who is better at that kick-pass. He’s unreal.

You have a midfield partnership who are very skilled at engineering space and then exploiting that space with a high skill-level. The big man gets lots of opportunities. I think he can work harder to get himself involved, but for him, this must be the dream team to play in. So much of the gameplan revolves around trying to get him into space.

Scott asked: What’s the story behind how the autumn international fixture lists are arranged? Very much looking forward to Scotland v South Africa, but disappointed it was a ‘light’ summer tour, Portugal in this series line-up, and another year without playing NZ – only one meeting in seven years!

Tom answered: The SRU doesn’t get to pick its opponents, but remember, in 2020 Scotland were due to have a summer tour which involved two Tests against the Boks and one against the All Blacks. COVID put paid to that. The new global rugby tournament starts in 2026 so there will be a lot of change when that happens.

Personally, I think these games against Tier Two nations are important for Scotland as they try to grow their Test player base.

Murdo asked: Has Ali Price played his last game for Scotland? The pace of our attack visibly increased when Jamie Dobie replaced him on Saturday and I think we’d have seen the same had George Horne been on the bench. Ben White is still our best 9.

Tom answered: No, he hasn’t. Jamie Dobie was excellent when he came on but Ali Price played fine. I would have Ali fourth in the pecking order right now – Ben White, George Horne, Dobie – but he’s far from finished at Test level. I think he had such a disappointing season last season he’s worked really hard to get himself right for this season. I wouldn’t write him off. No chance. Plus, Gregor Townsend really admires him, so he’s very far from done.