Straeuli was bemoaning the sterility of modern rugby touring. “When I toured here as a player, we went grouse shooting, salmon fishing. After the game I met up with Doddie Weir and we had a few whiskies. Our young guys who are playing against Scott Murray on Saturday will only have seen him on video.
“Some of our guys had never been to France, and suddenly they’re running out for a night Test match in Marseilles. I like to get the feel of a place first, to understand about their rugby. I’d like proper tours, and midweek games. I don’t know if any of my guys will even walk up to Edinburgh Castle this week. It’s a shame.”
He even advances the arresting theory that