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Scotland – if there were a team that deserved an A for effort it would certainly be given to them.
Scotland
2013 Six Nations finish: third
Head coach: Scott Johnson
Captain: Kelly Brown
Over the last couple of years, whether it be in Six Nations games or autumn internationals, against the tier one nations, the Scots have huffed and puffed in their opposition 22 but have failed to show their killer instinct – when they have it is when they are 15-20 points down and deep into the second half.
Tries have been their main problem, with Russia scoring more tries than the Scots in the 2011 World Cup a brutal stat.
However, interim head coach Scott Johnson has added some life into the squad, after the stop start era under Andy Robinson where they were able to beat top teams such as Australia and South Africa yet lose to Tonga.
Though the highlight of Scotland’s games is Scott Johnson’s one-liners, there is promise within the squad even if they did not show it against Australia and South Africa in the end of year Tests.
Among the forwards the loss of Euan Murray is a blow, as his prowess in the scrum is an much needed asset – even if he compounded his Achilles tendon injury by injuring his hand while chopping wood at a team barbecue for his club Worcester Warriors, who sit bottom of the Aviva Premiership.
However, it is in the loose where Scotland are at their most potent, with the pack of Montpelier’s Johnny Beattie, Scotland’s captain Kelly Brown, Edinburgh’s David Denton and Ross Rennie along with Perpignan’s Alasdair Strokosch giving the backrow real depth.
Moreover, the locks are stacked with experienced with Jim Hamiltion and Richie Gray adding height along with experience.
Within the backs there is a mixture of newcomers and experience – Matt Scott and Alex Dunbar form part of the newcomers while scrum half Greig Laidlaw and Stuart Hogg form their veterans.
Along with Hogg, Kiwi born winger Sean Maitland will be the fulcrum of their attack.
The leg fracture Tim Visser suffered means the ‘Flying Dutchman’ might play a small part in their Six Nations campaign but is a wonderful finisher and dangerous to opposition defences.
The squad is mainly compromised of Scotland’s two teams in the Pro 12 – Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The two teams’ relative success this season will lead to the Scots hoping they can give Johnson a good send off, as Vern Cotter takes up his role as Scotland head coach in the summer – an exciting appointment especially after his huge success at Top 14 giants Clermont.
Scotland will begin their Six Nations campaign on the 2nd February away to Ireland.
The Irish will be looking to avenge their surprise defeat to the Scots in last year’s competition while also looking to give their new head coach Joe Schmidt the perfect to his first ever Six Nations competition.
The following week Scott Johnson’s men face England at home looking to reclaim the Calcutta Cup.
The Scots have a chance for the English haven’t had bad memories of playing in Murrayfield. Though it is likely England will have to be off their game and Scotland must take their chances.
Scotland’s third fixture is in Rome against Italy and is their best chance of a victory as is the best chance for Italy to grab a win as well.
Scotland’s record in Italy is not good (not winning in Rome since 2006) with the likely inclusion of fly half Tommy Allan in Italy’s matchday squad adding some spice.
The losers of the game at the Stadio Olimpico will likely be awarded the wooden spoon – bottom of the Six Nations come the end of the competition andamp; it won’t be the French after suffering the humiliating award last year.
Scotland’s penultimate game is at home to the French, where if the wrong France turns up they have every chance of snatching a shock win – the Italians certainly proved that last year when they deservingly turned over France in Rome.
Their final game is a tough away match at Wales where the Welsh hope it will signal a Grand Slam triumph or at least winning the Six Nations.
One thing is for sure – Scotland will want to give Scott Johnson a fitting send off.
Player to watch
Stuart Hogg – The Glasgow Warriors’ flyer had a barnstorming Six Nations last year scoring a memorable try against Italy that got him a place in the Lions squad.
The fullback is a speed merchant who can blitz defences on the counter and if need be show some silky footwork to outwit defenders.
A few more good performances and he could easily be gaining admires in France like Richie Gray did a few years ago when he burst on the scene, leading to his move to Top 14 side Castres.
Predicted finish
Sixth (if they can sort out their composure and score tries they will jump ahead to Italy to fifth place).
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