Scotland’s recent history in the Six Nations has been feeble. Time and again, one stirring performance in November has led to hopes of a potential renaissance.
Then the reality of the bitter struggle of the Six Nations sets in and they put in one hopeless performance after another.
In the last decade, Scotland have finished better than fifth only twice, and once again there is a real belief in some quarters that a revival is on the cards.
It remains to be seen whether the squad have got over the painful defeat to Australia at the World Cup. Coach Vern Cotter and the players talk a good game, but the sense of injustice is still strong at Murrayfield.
Scotland showed glimpses of being able to execute more clinically during the World Cup, but they conceded 16 points to the USA at Elland Road. South Africa, Samoa and Australia all put 30 points past them and if they continue to be so profligate another difficult campaign could be in the offering.
PLAYER TO WATCH — FINN RUSSELL
The flyhalf position has traditionally been problematic for Scotland, but in Finn Russell they have a playmaker who regularly makes the backs outside him sing. The Glasgow pivot showcased all of his skills in the Champions Cup match against Racing last month when he looked back to something like his best. His kicking was accurate enough to utilise the cross kick and he was composed on and off the ball. Cotter must be hope he can continue in the same form in the Six Nations.
STAR IN THE MAKING — JONNY GRAY
Jonny Gray was appointed captain of Glasgow in November aged just 21, and in tandem with his brother Richie in the engine room of the scrum, the pair make quite a contribution. Unlike former Scottish enforcers, Gray not only works hard but has a cussedness that has been lacking in teams down the years.
POINT TO PROVE — DUNCAN TAYLOR
The Scottish centre is likely to be handed the opportunity, but can he grasp it fully? Mark Bennett has been ruled out of the opening match against England on Saturday and Taylor is almost certain to be the beneficiary. Taylor is versatile and has good awareness both on and off the ball. His distribution is good for Saracens, who have just re-signed him, but can he put it all together at international level? We have not seen enough after 12 caps.
PREDICTION — 4th
Scotland’s World Cup was not nearly as bright as many believe. To concede 128 points in five matches only highlights that there are severe structural faults to the Scottish gameplan that can be exploited by any team, including Italy. Captain Greig Laidlaw said last week that emotion sometimes gets the better of his players in the build-up to a Calcutta Cup fixture, which does not bode well ahead of Saturday’s game against England. Where Scotland have come a long way under Cotter is that they are a legitimate attacking side now, and they have the potential to inflict damage. Will that be enough, though?
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
