Liam McConnell, 21, earned his first cap for Scotland in the autumn international series against the United States. Gregor Townsend praised McConnell's aggression and work rate, noting that he has been playing at this level for some time, most recently as part of the Scotland under-20 squad.
In training sessions with the senior team, McConnell was known to pick fights with larger players, including prop Pierre Schoeman. However, when asked about the encounter, he downplayed it, saying "He's a pretty big man, so I don't know how that would go."
Townsend believes that McConnell brings a fresh perspective and new skills to the Scotland team, having played in several matches for Edinburgh this season. The back-rower has been influenced by departing international Jamie Ritchie, with whom he shares similarities as both six forwards.
For the upcoming match against the USA, McConnell is among six uncapped players in the 23-man squad. Townsend aims to balance experience and new blood, giving more match minutes to players who have had disrupted seasons due to injury.
The team's focus will be on winning each game, regardless of their opponents. As they navigate the autumn international series, they must adapt quickly during games, making decisions and responding to what is working and not working.
With significant matches against New Zealand and Argentina upcoming, Scotland's performance in the Autumn Nations Series will be crucial to building momentum heading into the 2027 World Cup.
In training sessions with the senior team, McConnell was known to pick fights with larger players, including prop Pierre Schoeman. However, when asked about the encounter, he downplayed it, saying "He's a pretty big man, so I don't know how that would go."
Townsend believes that McConnell brings a fresh perspective and new skills to the Scotland team, having played in several matches for Edinburgh this season. The back-rower has been influenced by departing international Jamie Ritchie, with whom he shares similarities as both six forwards.
For the upcoming match against the USA, McConnell is among six uncapped players in the 23-man squad. Townsend aims to balance experience and new blood, giving more match minutes to players who have had disrupted seasons due to injury.
The team's focus will be on winning each game, regardless of their opponents. As they navigate the autumn international series, they must adapt quickly during games, making decisions and responding to what is working and not working.
With significant matches against New Zealand and Argentina upcoming, Scotland's performance in the Autumn Nations Series will be crucial to building momentum heading into the 2027 World Cup.
. Like, what's the big deal? He's still gonna get smashed by those bigger players in a real match, you know? I mean, I've seen high school rugby matches where the kids are like 5'10" and they're getting destroyed by guys who are like 6'4". It's not like McConnell is gonna bring some revolutionary skillset to the team that's never been seen before 
. And what's with all this talk about him being influenced by Jamie Ritchie? I bet he just likes playing for Edinburgh because it pays more than working at McDonald's 
. Let's just focus on winning games and not make a big deal out of some random player getting his first cap, yeah?
and i gotta say, he's already making waves with those aggressive moves on the pitch 
. but what really caught my attention is how coach gregor townsend saw potential in him - not just because of his aggression, but also because he's been playing at that level for a while now 
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. it's all about adapting quickly during games and making decisions on the fly - not an easy task, but i'm excited to see how they'll do against the usa 
. and who knows, maybe we'll be seeing more of mcconnell in the future? fingers crossed 
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and it's awesome that gregor townsend is recognizing his potential. plus, giving more match minutes to players who've had disrupted seasons due to injury shows townsend is thinking about the bigger picture 
and it's all about winning each game regardless of the opponent... no pressure, right? 
seriously though, scotland needs to bring their A-game against new zealand and argentina if they wanna build momentum for the 2027 world cup. fingers crossed! 
. The team needs to be adaptable and make decisions quickly on the fly, especially when they face top-tier teams like New Zealand and Argentina. But I'm feeling optimistic about Scotland's chances, especially with this young, hungry squad leading the charge 
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, nice work lad! I heard he was a bit of a troublemaker on training sessions, pickin' fights with bigger blokes like Pierre Schoeman 
. But, you know what they say, "you can't teach that in a classroom"... or is it the rugby pitch? Either way, Townsend seems to think McConnell's got some serious skills and brings a fresh perspective to the team 
. Now let's hope they can take on those Kiwis and Argies and show 'em what Scotland's made of 
, but this whole thing feels like a bit of a fishy move.
but seriously, gregor townsend is spot on about this kid's game! he's got that fire in his belly and a fresh perspective that can't be beat 
#ScottishRugby #LiamMcConnell #ScotlandVsUSA
! They've got some talented new blood coming in, like Liam McConnell, and I'm loving their underdog vibe 
. Townsend's approach to balancing experience and new players is spot on β it'll be fascinating to see how it all comes together. And let's be real, 6 forwards in midfield? That's some next-level tactical genius 
And lets be real, pickin fights w/ bigger players is just part of da game 
β
Townsend knows what hes doin, balancin experience & new blood is key 4 success 
Now lets see how they do against the US & beyond