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After previously evaluating Italy and England as Australia prepare for their traditional late-spring European Tour, I will look now at Scotland, who enjoyed a promising run of June internationals.
Though they lost to Samoa and narrowly beat Italy, the Scots gave a spirited performance against the Springboks. Despite being classed as the weakest rugby side of the four countries within the British Isles, the Scots do have several top players.
Scrum half Gregg Laidlaw is an underrated player whose kicking at times is world class and will punish sides that concede needless penalties.
The Scots also possess good players in their forwards, including Kelly Brown and towering lock Richie Gray, but it is in their backs where they have their excitement machines.
The wingers, in the form of Tim Visser and Sean Maitland, can cause teams trouble especially when it comes to finishing off chances. Fullback Stuart Hogg is also wonderful talent with devastating speed, as Italy found out in February.
Scotland play the first of three games against Japan on the November 9, their opponents having recently celebrated beating Wales for the first time in June at their Tokyo home.
The following weekend they entertain South Africa at Murrayfield, while they finish off against Australia on the 23rd.
The Scots will be hoping they can replicate their famous wins against the Wallabies in Newcastle last year and back in 2009, when Matt Giteau missed a late conversion that would have won the Wallabies the game.
Though Scotland has an interim coach in the form of Scott Johnson, they will be eager to impress Vern Cotter, who is in charge of French Top 14 giants Clermont and will take the Scotland job at the end of the season in June.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.