Tom English answers your Scottish rugby questions

BBC Scotland’s chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your Scottish rugby questions.

Geoff asked: There is usually a ‘bolter’ in every Lions squad. I have a suspicion Tom Jordan could be the 2025 vintage?

Tom answered: Yes, he could be. Only two caps into his Test career but he has looked absolutely terrific. And versatile, which is a godsend for any Lions coach. The utility back is going to be important to Andy Farrell and Jordan has announced himself as a contender.

The question is where will he play in the Six Nations? If everybody is fit, what’s the backline looking like? He’s not going to break up the current midfield and it’s unlikely he’ll dethrone Finn Russell at 10. Full-back is a very big call now, I think Jordan has to start.

As excellent as he is, I’d probably have Blair Kinghorn, another fine utility player, on the bench in round one of the Six Nations with Jordan at 15 and Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe/Duhan van der Merwe on the wings. Some very good players are going to miss out.

Stu asked: Is there a risk that players get stale when their position won’t be challenged? Rory Darge hasn’t found the form he was in when he broke into the Scotland set-up as a new cap. Does the added leadership weigh heavy on his shoulders? Does he need a break or further competition?

Tom answered: There is definitely a very real danger of staleness if their position isn’t threatened, but I wouldn’t apply that to Darge.

I think his level is very high. To me, his form is top notch. I don’t see any noticeable drop-off. I see a fantastically effective player at the top of his game.

Everybody needs competition and everybody needs a break. The frontliners especially need a rest ahead of the Australia game, which looks a far more daunting affair all of a sudden.