TRU Exclusive: Former Scotland fly-half Craig Chalmers

Talking Rugby Union caught up with 1990 Grand Slam winning Scot Craig Chalmers after Scotland's loss to France in Paris, looking ahead to their game against Wales and Pool B in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Craig Chalmers is no stranger to Six Nations action, the former Scotland fly-half insists their narrow opening weekend defeat to France in the RBS Six Nations was a step forward and not back, heading into the clash with Wales, at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Chalmers, 46, represented his country 60 times, scoring 166 points between 1989 and 1999, and believes Vern Cotter’s men must become stronger on home turf if they are to accomplish anything substantial in the forthcoming years.

‘It is a must win game for both teams.’ Chalmers told TalkingRugbyUnion. ‘If Scotland are to start moving forward we have to start winning games at home against the likes of Wales and Ireland,’ he added.

‘I think there is a lot of optimism this year with Scotland, like there is most years at the start of a Championship, but there is a lot to look forward for sure this Sunday at Murrayfield against Wales.

‘They (Wales) will be hurting after the loss to England of course, so they will be coming to Scotland looking to make amend.

‘Wales like most teams have had good times and bad times, but more good than bad and the last few years they have been well coached by Warren Gatland.  

‘So it is a big test for us; we have not beaten Wales to often over the last twelve years, once I think, but I think they can do it if they are confident and if we sort a few things out I am optimistic we can get the job done and win on Sunday.’

But looking back to last week, although Chalmers was encouraged, he was also incredibly frustrated by the small margins that cost the Scots what could have been a famous victory at Stade De France.

‘It was disappointing we didn’t get a result in Paris but it was a decent performance’ Chalmers said.
‘It was another step forward rather than a step back, I think we are a work in progress and there were many positives.

‘The backs looked particularly sharp so if the forwards can give them the ball quick enough I think they can cause a lot of problems, there is a lot of creativity in there, so I am excited.

‘But there were a few too many turnovers, which probably cost us in the end and then a couple of silly penalties give France the opportunity to get points on the board.’

Chalmers, who was known for his tactical kicking, game management and also for being a solid tackler, is excited by the exciting young talent emerging for Scotland in his old position.

‘There are a few guys in there but I think Finn Russell has the all round game, and also the temperament which is really important’ said Chalmers.

‘He gets that back line well organized really well, and the great thing about him for me is if he makes a mistake he just get on with things,  

'I love the way he plays, he is brave, he is good passer, good kicker and is also a good attacker, he plays flat at the right times but can attack the game line really well.

‘And in the forwards I like Johnny Gray, I think he has been a revelation since he has come into the team, and since he started calling the line out it has been much better.

‘There two of the youngest guys in the squad so I certainly believe that in those key positions, especially Finn Russell, they can continue to improve.’

Scotland last won the Grand Slam in 1990, with Chalmers at the heart of the team, and the former Harlequins man is hopeful if Scotland continue to progress then they could be champions once again in the coming years.  

‘It was huge; we have only done it two times history.

‘It’s twenty-five ago this year so we will probably have a few little reunions throughout the year, so yeah it is really good memories but it seems such a long time ago.

‘Hopefully the young team Scotland has now can reproduce that in the coming years, I think they can do, there is there potential there, and I think they have the personnel to start challenging for those type of honours again.’

And Chalmers also give his verdict on who could be triumphant at the conclusion of this year’s Six Nations, but found it tough to give one definitive answer after such an unpredictable opening weekend.

‘I thought Ireland, but England’s result in Cardiff was a massive result for them, I did not see that coming, the second half performance was outstanding, 

‘So yeah I think England and Ireland are the two favourites, France will get better, but I cannot see past them two so the game in Dublin in a couple weeks’ time will be a big point to see who will win the Championship.

Looking further ahead the former Lion, who is now an assistant coach at National League 1 side Esher, is assertive that the youthful Scotland squad can go and genuinely compete at the World Cup later this year.

‘I think South Africa will be a huge game, but it’s a game we can certainly go win if we play at the best of our ability.' said Chalmers. 

‘USA are improving, and Japan are certainly improving under Eddie Jones so it’s a tough group, there will be players getting rested here and there and teams will look at Scotland as a game they can win.

‘That is what world cups are for, Tonga beating France, and these kind of results, there is no guarantee, you have to have a strong squad and hopefully we will have that with everybody fully fit and have a really good crack at it.

‘We should definitely get out the pool, I am confident about that, we will beat Samoa and the other two but South Africa will definitely be the tough test.’

Craig Chalmers will be using the Lionheart Sportive as a warm up event to the Waterloo 200