Scotland rugby heading in right direction but room for improvement remains

Scotland's rugby union team has been praised by South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus, who called them the third-best team in the world behind his own side and France. While Erasmus's motives are unclear, the comment highlights Scotland's progress.

Player Pierre Schoeman echoed the sentiment, saying Scotland are a top-three or top-five team, citing wins over Argentina away, France, and England. However, he acknowledged losses to South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand, and stressed the need to deliver a full 80-minute performance against the best.

Schoeman pointed to upcoming matches against New Zealand in the autumn and Ireland in the spring, both at Murrayfield, as key tests. Although the Nations Championship has been a try-laden event, the real measure of Scotland's progress remains the Six Nations.

Competition for places is intense. Previously automatic picks Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham, and Duhan van der Merwe are now being challenged by Kyle Steyn, Jamie Dobie, and Kyle Rowe. Rowe has earned his place on the wing or at fullback, even if it means Kinghorn misses out. Kinghorn was given the summer off and will return in the autumn.

Huw Jones, one of Scotland's greatest players, is now on the periphery. Rory Hutchinson has slotted in seamlessly with Tuipulotu, while Stafford McDowall is also competing. Jones, a three-Test Lion last summer, is heading to France, but writing him off would be foolish. This competition is exactly what head coach Gregor Townsend wants.

Overall, Scotland are trending in the right direction, but there is still work to do to consistently beat the world's elite.