Rory Darge: Scotland co-captain set to return against France

Darge suffered a knee injury playing for Glasgow in the 1872 Cup derby against Edinburgh in December.  

Initial fears it was a significant problem were allayed, and the 23-year-old now looks set to return for the visit of Fabien Galthie’s side.  

“He’s trained and he’s looking good,” Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy said.  

“He came through training last week, he trained again on Tuesday, so all being well in the rest of the training week he’ll be available.” 

Tandy was in no doubt the back-row will be able to slot straight into international rugby despite six weeks out.  

READ MORE: Rory Darge's Six Nations dreams revived after injury fears

"Knowing Rory and the guy he is, how diligent he is and how he looks at and studies the game, we have no doubts. Physically, it feels like he’s adding layer on layer as he gets a little bit older. 

“He’s physically ready, and even when they are injured, the boys are still lifting [weights] - it’s not as if they’re sitting there doing nothing. They’re active in around what it is the S&C guys and the medical team want.  

“We wouldn’t throw him in if we didn’t feel he was ready.” 

The visit of Les Bleus will come too soon for Edinburgh duo WP Nel and Darcy Graham, who continue their rehabilitation from neck and thigh problems with their club team.  

Both could, though, feature when England visit Murrayfield on February 24. 

“We’re always assessing with the medical team and S&C,” Tandy added.

“These boys keep themselves in great condition, so we’ll wait and see how they progress.” 

The Welshman, now in his fifth campaign with Scotland, said he was disappointed with some of the refereeing decisions that went against the visitors in Cardiff on Saturday.  

He said Gregor Townsend has taken the issue up with World Rugby to seek clarity from referee Ben O’Keeffe.  

“It was a really weird game around the penalty count, it was so lopsided.  

“When we look back we felt some of that was pretty harsh around the decisions, and then that creates pressure to not give away penalties so it makes you tentative around certain aspects.  

“There's a little bit of frustration because I've never been involved in a game with 14 on the bounce. It's something we'll look at because we've created some of it but we also feel a bit hard done by too.” 

Tandy stressed he was not criticising referee Ben O’Keeffe.  

“They are all experienced referees and he’s got experience of massive games, he’s done British Lions games.  

“It’s not perfect and it’s not easy either, but sometimes you get the rough end of the stick.  

“I know everything’s been around we lost a massive amount of momentum, but sometimes the momentum shifts and there are some things you can do about it, sometimes you can’t.” 

Tandy admitted there was “no hiding” that Scotland could have reacted quicker to address the momentum shift after they went 27-0 ahead in Cardiff.  

READ MORE: Five things we learned from Scotland's win in Cardiff

“There were parts we could’ve done better, there’s no hiding that. We wanted to come back quicker, but it’s not quite that easy.” 

“Ultimately it got tight, but you saw how they regrouped and how they came together for the last 15 minutes and we were probably disappointed we didn’t finish with a bonus point win.” 

In a bid to address any potential discipline issues that arose in Cardiff, referee Mike Adamson has been working with the Scotland squad.  

“We’re always looking for feedback and advice because the last thing we want to be doing is giving penalties away.” 

Looking ahead to round two, Tandy knows Scotland will need to meet France’s physicality head on, but he’s confident the hosts will be up to the challenge.  

“We've got some pretty big units coming at us.  

“We've played France numerous times and had some outstanding games against them.  

“They've got the physicality to go through you and the skills to go around you so we're going to have to be at our best.  

“They'll be hurting from losing at home but it doesn't matter whether they've won or lost, France are going to be physical and they have an unbelievable team. We'll be firmly focusing on who we are and what we want to be." 

READ MORE: Scotland suffer Luke Crosbie & Richie Gray injury blows

The return from suspension of former captain Grant Gilchrist will add to Scotland’s physicality, and Tandy was pleased to have the Edinburgh man back, particularly with Richie Gray and Luke Crosbie now out for the rest of the championship.  

“Richie brings lots of experience around the group and he’s got better with age. Luke has fought so hard to get to the international scene.  

“You see the warrior he is on the field, but there is also the character he is and how he leads in and around the training environment, how he speaks in meetings.” 

Tandy said home advantage could be an important factor this weekend.  

“We’ve had a really good result, going to Wales and getting that job done, but now it’s just about focusing on France. 

“Coming back to Murrayfield is massive for us after picking up a win away from home which is huge in any tournament. 

“The support which gets behind us is electric. That’s only going to enhance our performance against France and we’ve got to get the job done.”