Blair Kinghorn: Scotland ready to take ‘next step’ in big games

A move to Toulouse has given Blair Kinghorn “a new way to look at rugby” and the full-back thinks Scotland may need a new approach to prosper.

Scotland, who won three matches in last year’s tournament, have not celebrated victory in Cardiff since 2002.

“It’s an opportunity to show our growth and show we’re ready to compete with the best,” Kinghorn told BBC Scotland.

“The squad depth we have is potentially at its highest. I don’t think there is an issue with self-belief. The next step we need to make is winning big games.

“We have a very attacking style and that works in certain games, but in big Test matches we might have to rely on another part of our game.

“We need to learn on the back of victories and keep the momentum going. Cardiff is a tough place to go but it’s an exciting challenge.”

Scotland failed to progress from a tough World Cup pool after losses to South Africa and Ireland, who will be strong favourites to defend their Six Nations title.

“It was very disappointing, not the World Cup we wanted,” said Kinghorn. “It will sit with us all until we’ve played a few games for Scotland again.

“I think this move out here has helped, it’s given me a fresh start – a new way to look at rugby.”

Pressure to perform with Toulouse

The 26-year-old has played three times since joining Toulouse, enjoying three wins and scoring two tries on his debut.

“It definitely comes with pressure,” he said of his new environment. “People expect you to win. You rarely go into a game as the underdog.

“So there is more of an expectation to go out and win – and to entertain the fans as well. When you’re not quite up to that level people are disappointed.”

Toulouse, the defending Top 14 champions and five-time European Cup winners, boast a star-studded squad, including France stars Thomas Ramos and Antoine Dupont.

“They’re both world class and very classy operators,” Kinghorn said of his new team-mates. “Every training session reflects how they play at the weekend. The commitment they have for the game is unbelievable and it’s a privilege to play alongside them.

“They can catch you by surprise sometimes when they’re making something out of nothing and you have to react.

“I’m settling in quite nicely. The club has been great to me.

“The atmosphere at all the games is absolutely crazy and we’ve played some good rugby, with a clinical edge when making line breaks. It’s a style of rugby I like to play and when I think I’m at my best.

“It’s always a tough decision to move away from home. I’m Edinburgh born and bred but, from a rugby point of view, when one of the world’s biggest clubs come calling it would be stupid not to take the opportunity.”