Scotland strained to keep one eye on the future (Six Nations 2014):

We require rivalry for spots, we have to expand our base," Scott Johnson said at the Six Nations start on Wednesday. "We can't be at the whims of wounds." Whim is the statement. It was several days prior Johnson discovered that his tighthead prop, Euan Murray, had cut his thumb while hacking wood throughout a group building practice and will be out until in any event late February. In the meantime, Geoff Cross, Johnson's second decision in the position, has been battling to move beyond Willem Nel into the Edinburgh group. The South African is amidst a three-year residency period to fit the bill for Scotland in the nick of time for the 2015 World Cup. The fans of Scotland can enjoy performance of their team in the six nation event by purchasing six nation sport tickets through premier events.

By then Vern Cotter will be head mentor while Johnson, who is serving in the meantime, climbs to executive of rugby. By then, he will be blissful to have Nel around, since his occupation will be to expand the pool of players Cotter need to pick from in 2015. Anyhow at this time, Johnson need to direct the group through the 2014 Six Nations and Nel's prosperity is making his life a little harder. "Without Euan, Moray Low and Geoff have got to remained up," Johnson says. "We can't be subject to one individual. This is about the development of this group. So we're set to get some answers concerning them, and that is the way it is." In certain regions, Johnson is honored. The back line and the centres, where he feels Matt Scott – "an enormous ability" – and Alex Dunbar make "an imposing" organization. "Some marvel if Scott is primed," said Johnson. "He hasn't played since he broken his hand against Japan last harvest time. I wouldn't put him on if there was any mistrust of him seeing it all through. There's a greater picture here, as well. I am attempting to get supportable combos together in that position."