Scotland fly-half backed to push for more test minutes under tutelage of controversial England centurion

The New Zealand-born former All Blacks under 20 cap, who was also eligible to play for England, has earned five caps for Gregor Townsend’s side since his debut last year. He also started at stand-off for Scotland ‘A’ in February’s 24-24 draw with an Italy XV in Rieti.

Finn Russell remains Scotland’s undisputed starting fly-half when fit and available while former Glasgow Warriors man Jordan, now with Gallagher Premiership side Bristol Bears, normally provides cover from the replacements. A big factor in that selection call will also be Jordan’s ability to cover multiple positions, mainly full-back and centre.

Saracens head coach confident that Scotland boss Townsend has been watching Fergus Burke’s development closely

However, McCall has stated that Burke is also more than capable of providing the same level of cover and has backed his player to gain more test level minutes. He said: “Fergus played against Tom at the weekend at Bristol.

“Tom has been used on a 6-2 bench for Scotland with his positional flexibility but I believe Fergus is very capable of playing in various positions himself – full-back and inside centre. I am sure Gregor has been watching him closely and enjoying the progression he is making.”

McCall also credited Burke’s clubmate Owen Farrell in playing a key role in that development. The 112-times capped England stand-off may be an unpopular figure in the eyes of other national team fans for his sometimes controversial tackling style, but there’s no denying what he has achieved in the game including four British & Irish Lions tours.

“Fergus works very closely with Owen,” added McCall. “That has really helped him blossom. Owen has done a great job in terms of supporting him with his influence and is guidance. The two of them are working really well together.

“We knew what we were signing and he is one of the more athletic fly-halves, I would say, in the competition. He is someone who can use his acceleration, power and speed to put the opposition under pressure because he is a big threat and passes well.

“When you come half away across the world to a new club and try to establish yourself in one of the key positions it takes some time. He has done it in short amount of time when you think about it and is playing some great rugby over the last two or three weeks – some of his best rugby and is confident in his own game.”

Scotland play three test matches this summer as the inaugural Nations Championship kicks off. Gregor Townsend’s side are set to face Argentina and South Africa away from home before hosting Fiji at Murrayfield.

There have been suggestions that the national team boss may take the opportunity to mix things up in his squad and give some more minutes to players currently on the fringes of the starting XV or match day 23. That would certainly be good news for someone like Burke but there is plenty competition beyond just Tom Jordan to contend with including the likes of current Glasgow Warriors players Adam Hastings and Dan Lancaster who may also have an eye on the July tests as a platform to impress Townsend.

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