After Scotland’s record win against Fiji and with South Africa on the horizon, we put some of your questions to Chief Sports Writer Tom English.

Rob asked: This might seem like a crazy question given his try-scoring record, but do you think Duhan van der Merwe could be even more effective for both club and country if the way he and the team around him play would it be modified?

Tom replied: I think Duhan van der Merwe scores the tries he scores because of the way the team plays. I’m not sure you can make the team any better for him and Darcy Graham. Finn Russell is also keen to get open with a pass or boot and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a better 10 than him, or for that matter a 10 who is better at that kick. He is unreal.

You have a midfield partnership who are very adept at creating engineering space and then exploiting that space with a high level of skill. The big man gets plenty of opportunities. I think he can work harder to get involved, but for him, this has to be his dream team to play for. Much of the game plan revolves around trying to get him into space.

Scott asked: What’s the story behind how the fall international fixture lists are arranged? Looking forward to Scotland v South Africa but disappointed it was an ‘easy’ summer tour, Portugal in this series and another year without playing NZ – only one meeting in seven years!

Tom replied: The SRU don’t get to pick their opponents, but remember, in 2020, Scotland were due to have a summer tour that involved two tests against the Boks and one against the All Blacks. COVID paid for it. The new global rugby tournament starts in 2026, so there will be a lot of changes when that happens.

Personally, I think these games against second-tier nations are important for Scotland as they look to develop their base of Test players.

Murdo asked: Did Ali Price play his last game for Scotland? The tempo of our attack picked up noticeably when Jamie Dobie replaced him on Saturday and I think we would have seen the same if George Horne had been on the bench. Ben White is still our best 9.

Tom replied: No, he didn’t. Jamie Dobie was excellent when he came on but Ali Price played well. I’d have Ali fourth in the batting order right now – Ben White, George Horne, Dobie – but he’s a long way from finishing at Test level. I think he had such a disappointing season last season that he has worked hard to get himself right for this season. I wouldn’t cancel it. No chance. Plus, Gregor Townsend really admires him, so he’s very far from done.