Sione Tuipulotu, the captain of Scotland, was injured while training with the Glasgow Warriors, so his participation in the Six Nations has been questioned.
Although the center was expected to be rested for Warriors’ Champions Cup game against Harlequins on Saturday, he still had an upper body issue this week.
In light of growing concerns that one of Scotland’s most influential players will miss the Six Nations, Tuipulotu will see a specialist in the coming week.
Losing a player who is currently considered one of the best in Europe and widely regarded as the obvious choice for the British and Irish Lions’ summer tour to Australia would be a terrible blow.
In 30 international appearances, Tuipulotu made his Scotland debut against Tonga in 2021.
Scotland’s opening match of the tournament is against Italy at Murrayfield on 1 February.
‘ Bad news on the way? ‘ – analysis
When everybody at Glasgow – and at Murrayfield – talk vaguely, or not at all, when asked about Sione Tuipulotu’s injury, you get a feeling that bad news is on the way.
Scotland’s entire population awaits the official forecast with eager anticipation.
Tuipulotu is one of the form inside-centres in the world game, a captain, a physical brute, an artist, an inspiration to his team. If he’s missing some, or all, of the Six Nations then a chunk of optimism about Scotland’s campaign is going to go with him.
His and Huw Jones work in a cosmic context. It appears that an alternative is now required.
Jones and Jordan lacks a significant physical impact. Franco Smith never plays them together at 12-13 for Glasgow.
Most likely, it is going to be another Warriors pair, Stafford McDowall and Jones, in the midfield in the championship.
The potential loss of the big man is a nightmare on many fronts, but that unit is still powerful and dynamic.
Have your say
What do you think about Sione Tuipulotu’s status as an injury doubt for the upcoming Six Nations?
How do you think his absence might affect Scotland’s chances? Who would you choose to take his place in the centers, exactly?
Related topics
- Scottish Rugby
- Rugby Union
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