Start Jordan at 12 to 'throw something different at Ireland'

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your Scottish rugby questions.

Mark asked: When Sione Tuipulotu plays it feels like pressure is taken off Finn Russell and allows him to play a more understated, free-flowing role. Arguably his absence on Saturday led to Russell having one of his most disappointing performances. The Irish will no doubt target Russell. Nothing against Stafford McDowall but would Tom Jordan be a better option at 12?

Tom answered: That's the big selection for me. It's important Scotland get off to a good start and don't fall miles behind, as they have done too often in the past.

It's also important that they have a strong bench to come on in case it's close. Ireland's bench, in most areas, is extremely strong.

So how best to utilise Jordan? I'd pick him from the start at 12 and hope he can help rattle Ireland and build a lead. Scotland have to get 10, 12, 14 points ahead because that Irish bench will come at them with a vengeance.

Jordan's an exceptional player who has the skill-set to step in and out of 10 as well. His presence gives Scotland the chance to use Russell as a decoy.

There are a lot of chances to throw a bit of deception at Ireland when Scotland, effectively, have two 10s looking at them, both of them capable of unlocking defences with their passing, kicking and running game.

Gregor Townsend has a chance to throw something different at Ireland and picking Jordan at 12 is it. I can understand why he might want to use him off the bench but what happens if the game is all but over when he starts to turn to that bench?

Best foot forward with Jordan at 12, I think.

Blair asked: If you could only pick one Scottish winger for the Lions tour, who would you select between Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe and why?

Tom answered: If I'm the boss then I don't have to limit myself to either/or so I'm picking both along with James Lowe and either Kyle Steyn or Imannuel Feyi-Waboso, if he's fit - or both, depending on squad size.

Darcy, as we saw again against Italy, is an absolute game-breaker and one of the most devastating runners in the Six Nations. He'd be an exceptional Lion.

Duhan is just a freak and can do things none of the others can do. He has flaws, but his X factor moments are just impossible to ignore. I'd definitely pick both.