Telfer wants Gray to earn fame on pitch not catwalks

JIM Telfer has urged Richie Gray to focus on becoming a big star of the World Cup and put aside all other distractions.

The former Lions and Scotland coach was critical of the six-foot-eight-inch tall lock’s performance against Romania at the weekend. The 22-year-old was taken off after only 52 minutes, having failed to stamp his authority on the match.

Gray, who is listed as a substitute for tomorrow’s match against Georgia, has become one of the country’s sporting heroes since breaking on to the Test stage last year. His profile has been heightened since then, including a catwalk stint in New York wearing a specially-designed kilt for the “Dressed to Kilt” exhibition, making him one of the best known members of the squad in New Zealand – and one of the most popular players with fans.

Telfer told the STV website: “The first time that Richie Gray took the ball into contact against Romania at the weekend, he was driven back.

“My host at the game – Tony Gilbert, the former Border Reivers coach – pointed out that Gray’s body had been far too high and that his technique was poor.

“In New Zealand, you prove yourself on the field, and not off it, through photo shoots or attending corporate functions.

“Gray is a good young player and will get better – but only if he concentrates on the core aspects of second row play.”

Gray was not the only Scottish forward to fall under the scrutiny of Telfer, a tough taskmaster.

He added: “The Romanian forwards dominated the scrums and showed superior technique in the driving line-outs.

“On paper, this was Scotland’s top pack and they were completely out played.

“No doubt, the front row will get the blame for the shortcomings in the scrums but I believe that the back five were too busy trying to get out into the open spaces to claim the glory.

“Very few of them were prepared to put their body on the line and work as a unit.

“Romania’s effort should act as a wake-up call to the Scottish forwards for the next three games. Georgia, Argentina and England all base their tactics on strong set piece and will have noticed that we didn’t seem to relish the physical challenge.

“The physical challenge must be there on Wednesday against Georgia – and I’m sure it will be – because our backs on Saturday showed what they can do when they are given front foot ball,” Telfer went on.