Former Scotland back-rower Ryan Wilson believes 18-year-old fly-half Jake Dalziel could be the long-term successor to Finn Russell for Scotland. Wilson was impressed with Dalziel's professional debut for Newcastle Red Bulls at the weekend.
Dalziel was a late call-up for the trip to Exeter Chiefs and became the club's youngest-ever player when he came on in the first half. He helped set up a try for Christian Wade almost immediately after entering the field.
Impressive Debut and Youth Career
The teenager has also delivered strong performances for Scotland U20s this year while playing two years above his age group. Dalziel is the son of current Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel, who was an assistant coach with the British and Irish Lions in Australia last year.
Wilson, part of the Premier Sports team broadcasting the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, said he went back to watch the debut again.
“I actually went back to have a little watch, he looks the real deal,” said Wilson. “We spoke about him on the podcast we do, Maul or Nothing, and I said to the boys about a year back, keep your eyes on this bloke.
“Obviously I know JD, his old man, pretty well and everything I'm hearing, playing up a few age grades and the other stuff he's doing at the under-20s, is positive. What an exciting team for him to slot into down there. He didn't look out of place at all down in Newcastle. He looked like the real deal. He just looked like he doesn't miss a beat. I reckon your next sort of stand-in for Finn Russell, once he's done and dusted and made a few more millions out of Eddie Hearn, up steps Jake Dalziel.”
Potential Senior Squad Call-Up
Dalziel has played less than an hour of senior rugby, but his composure at the highest level bodes well for his future. He could make his European debut this weekend in the Challenge Cup away to the Scarlets.
While Russell remains Scotland's main playmaker as the team builds on a strong start to the Nations Championship, Wilson believes Dalziel should be given a taste of the senior squad in November.
“I genuinely have no idea whether they will, but I can't see why it wouldn't be a great thing just to bring him into camp. You see a lot of these guys get brought in, even if they're on the periphery and not fully involved,” Wilson added.
“From what I've seen with him at Under-20s, the way that he controls things, and then getting his opportunity there and just not looking out of place whatsoever, I think it would be a great call for him to get the experience, get him in young. This is what you want from some of the young players that are coming through. You want to try and get him in, and someone as important as a 10, to get him in, to get him learning already off the likes of Finn, it will only do him good.
“And he's got a good head on him, from what I've heard. His old man is an absolute legend as well, so I'm sure some of that will have rubbed off on him.”
Premier Sports is broadcasting every Investec Champions Cup fixture this season, along with 20 EPCR Challenge Cup games, URC, Top 14, Japan League One and the Rugby League World Cup. Coverage begins this weekend with 14 live games from EPCR Round One, available from £13.99 a month.
