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).
ScotandProud
Guest
I'd love that - think we've got issues all over the park unfortunately, think 5th is more likely. i feel sorry for Italy these days. I just wish Scotland would play with a bit more passion.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Duncan Taylor, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Greig Laidlaw, 8 David Denton, 7 Kelly Brown (c), 6 Ryan Wilson, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Tim Swinson, 3 Moray Low, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Ryan Grant Replacements: 16 Pat MacArthur, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Geoff Cross, 19 Richie Gray, 20 Johnnie Beattie, 21 Chris Cusiter, 22 Matt Scott, 23 Max Evans This Scottish side is better than people give it credit for.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Scotlands chances of coming last are higher than coming first but I think they could come 4th or even 3rd if the stars align.
ScotandProud
Guest
ha ha thats how much people think of Scotlands chances.. discussions of the sevens, the England team, the weather..
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Personally Id like to see 1) Vunipola 2) Hartley 3) Cole 4) Launchbury 5) Lawes 6) Wood 7) Robshaw 8) Vunipola 9) Dickson 10) Farrell 11) Nowell 12) Burrell 13) Barrett 14) Watson 15) Brown 16) Youngs 17) Marler 18) Wilson 19) Attwood 20) Morgan (Armitage would be good here) 21) Youngs 22) Ford 23) May But I doubt it.
Chan Wee
Guest
" EXCLUSIVE: Ashton axed! England coach Lancaster picks kid Nowell for Le Crunch after finally losing patience with wing By Chris Foy : 00:57 GMT, 28 January 2014 Chris Ashton has been dropped from the start of England’s RBS 6 Nations campaign in France on Saturday. Stuart Lancaster and his coaching staff have finally run out of patience with Saracens’ cross code wing and Sportsmail understands the 26-year-old will not even be in the match-day squad on duty in Paris. The 26-year-old endured a torrid autumn series as his drawn-out quest to revive his predatory peak form at Test level continued without success, during matches against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand. He only survived a selection cut at that stage because rookie rivals Marland Yarde and Christian Wade both succumbed to injury, forcing head coach Lancaster to persist with the struggling former Wigan rugby league player. But now his place will be taken by another tyro wing with considerable potential – Exeter’s Jack Nowell. The 20-year-old was a try-scorer when England's Under 20 team beat Wales in the final of the junior World Cup last summer, to claim the title for the first time. Nowell has yet to score a Premiership try this season but he also put in eye-catching performances in the Heineken Cup ties against Toulon last month. Ashton, a 23-year-old Northampton player at the time, made an explosive impact with England, scoring a length of the field try against Australia at Twickenham in 2010. In the following year's RBS 6 Nations he scored six tries in the first two games against Wales and Italy as his swallow-dive finishing routine became a major talking point which extended far beyond the sport. Sadly, within 12 months he had begun a long fall to earth, one which has accelerated during Stuart Lancaster’s two years as head coach. He has now paid the price."
Chan Wee
Guest
Team AUS DUB RSA USA NZL JPN HKG SCO ENG Pts 1 South Africa 15 19 22 22 0 0 0 0 0 78 2 New Zealand 22 17 19 19 0 0 0 0 0 77 3 Fiji 13 22 13 8 0 0 0 0 0 56 4 England 17 15 8 13 0 0 0 0 0 53 5 Samoa 10 5 17 15 0 0 0 0 0 47 6 Australia 19 8 7 12 0 0 0 0 0 46 7 Argentina 5 13 15 10 0 0 0 0 0 43 8 Kenya 12 10 10 7 0 0 0 0 0 39 four down four to go. this is going to be a close one. just like playing for 81 minutes, who has the gas to be working hard till the end?
Harry Jones
Expert
Blitzbokke had the best defensive scheme in the tournament, but also showed very quick hands and feet on offense. Great showing. Also, is it possible, but were NZ less fit than SA? Odd. But I think SA finished with more speed and gas. Both sides very short-handed. Mastriet was hobbling, too.
I was quite impressed with our defence on the weekend, conceded only two tries in the whole tourney. One to Kenya and one to the AB's Considering the size of our backline that is extremely good defence. I heard yesterday NZ has beaten us in 7's since 2012. Quite an achievement.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Q. What will the excuse be next time. A. Food poisoning.
felix
Guest
Boks were missing the quickest winger in 7's Seabelo Senatla who injured his ankle and another good player I think was Chris Dry and former Bulls winger Mastriet who was out vs NZ,full team both sides wouldnt of made a difference I'd think. Food poisoning?? In Vegas,well what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas ;-) ,What will be the excuse next time.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Food poisoning?
Chan Wee
Guest
@ felix : what happened to the suspended MIB? NZ deff. missing Tomasi Cama. Nothing like an old hed to keep cool in a boiling pot :)
felix
Guest
Bok sevens just pumped NZ 14-7,great comeback again,very tight final,NZ looking very big and physical and boks looking astute and complex you would think they switched jerseys before the game. I know Fiji and Samoa will be back,cant wait for the next tournament. :-)
Chan Wee
Guest
" BEN KAY'S GUIDE TO THE SIX NATIONS: But who does the England World Cup winner think will lift the trophy in 2014? By Ben Kay : 22:00 GMT, 26 January 2014 Former England second-row and World Cup winner Ben Kay has looked at the hopes and expectations of all the teams involved and has given his prediction on who will win this year's Six Nations title. WALES Captain: Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues) Last season: Champions Strengths: Wales have developed a game of great tempo and in Leigh Halfpenny they have a goal-kicker who will punish any ill-discipline. They also have massive team unity and a winning mentality. Weaknesses: Very experienced but cannot afford too many more injuries (centre Jonathan Davies) or bans (lock Ian Evans). They also need tight-head Adam Jones fit because they are far less formidable without him. Star Man: Full-back Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues). He’s been peerless over the last couple of seasons — almost matching the deeds of Jonny Wilkinson. He’s the one player all the other teams would give their right arm for. Head coach: Warren Gatland. He’s not afraid to make the tough calls to back up his tactics like he did on the Lions tour when he dropped Brian O’Driscoll. Six Nations History: Three Grand Slams (2005, 2008, 2012). Four Championships (2005, 2008, 2012, 2013). (One wooden spoon). Did you know? Wales picked the youngest player to appear in tournament — wing Tom Prydie at 18 years 25 days against Italy in 2010. Prediction – 3rd. The top three will be difficult to separate and it could come down to points difference. Wales should beat Italy and then need to win in Ireland to build momentum. ENGLAND Captain: Chris Robshaw (Harlequins) Last season: 2nd Strengths: Good set piece play from a very settled forward pack. They are also in a confident mood after a pretty good autumn campaign where they pushed New Zealand close. Weaknesses: They lack firepower and the midfield axis — 10, 12, 13 — has not clicked. Also the high number of injuries have ruled out key players in centre Manu Tuilagi and flanker Tom Croft. Star Man: No 8 Billy Vunipola (Saracens). Watch out for the imposing forward. He needs to have a big tournament after his settling in period during the autumn. He has the attributes to be something special. Head coach: Stuart Lancaster. Brilliant ability to pull a squad together and gain some of that Welsh unity. Players want to perform for him and his coaches. Six Nations History: Modest. Grand Slams (2003). Championships (2000, 2001, 2003, 2011). (No wooden spoons) Did You Know? 9 – record number of conversions kicked by Jonny Wilkinson, versus Italy, Twickenham, 2001. Prediction: 2nd They have to beat France. That’s the key game. If they lose in Paris they could be in for a struggle especially as they face Scotland away next. SCOTLAND Captain: Kelly Brown (Saracens) Last year: 3rd Strengths: The Scots have a real desire to play for their country and each other. They also have a competitive pack plus a back three who can attack from anywhere led by full-back Stuart Hogg. Weaknesses: Scotland halfbacks remain unconvincing at key moments. They also have a tough start, away to Ireland, and they may struggle after that because England are next up. Star Man: Lock Richie Gray (Castres). It’s time for a big tournament from Scotland’s ‘golden boy’ who will be looking to continue good form for Castres. He will want to make up for being dropped after Springbok match in autumn. Director of rugby: Scott Johnson. He’s a very intelligent coach who is used to guiding an underdog against a bigger team. He’s very astute and his comments are always entertaining. Six Nations History: No Grand Slams. No Championships. (three wooden spoons). Did you know? 21 – Chris Paterson, v Wales, 2007, the record number of points scored by a player who scored all his team’s points. Prediction: 5th. It looks like another ‘wooden spoon’ decider in Rome against Italy. They might scrape that to finish fifth. ITALY Captain: Sergio Parisse (Stade Francais) Last season: 4th Strengths: Italy’s hard core have plenty of French and English experience which makes them dangerous. They are at their best in an arm wrestle or high-tempo game which breaks up. Weaknesses: Not very good at controlling tempo and can be opened up by teams like Wales who are able to control a game for long periods. Star Man: No 8 Sergio Parisse (Stade Francais). He’s the most consistent player Italy have ever produced – great in attack and a very physical defender. Head coach: Jacques Brunel His French background has given Italy a better attacking game than in the past when they were very one-dimensional. Six Nations History: No Grand Slams, no Championships. (Nine wooden spoons) Did you know? 15 - Italy’s Carlo Checchinato holds the record for appearing in the most successive matches lost. Prediction: 6th. At the bottom again — trying to avoid the wooden spoon. Fifth at best. IRELAND Captain: Paul O’Connell (Munster) Last season: 5th. Strengths: A hugely experienced squad powered by a massive improvement in forward play. They have also excelled at the ‘choke tackle’ which frustrates opponents. They know how to win a Grand Slam. Weaknesses: If Ireland’s scrummaging goes wrong it can go off the rails like against England two years ago. Injuries to Keith Earls and Tommy Bowe may weaken team in back three. Star Man: Fly half Jonny Sexton (Racing Metro). A quiet autumn following move to Paris, but though now settling in will relish going back home to play in a more settled and familiar environment. Head coach: Joe Schmidt. A first Six Nations for the impressive New Zealander who looks to have full backing of players. Looks savvy tactically and knows how to get the best out of Leinster’s midfield men. Six Nations History: One Grand Slam (2009), one Championship (2009). No wooden spoons. Did You Know? 557 – Ronan O’Gara record number of tournament points in career. Prediction: 4th Ireland should benefit from first two home games against Scotland and Wales, but have England and France away. FRANCE Captain: Pascal Pape (Stade Francais) Last season: 6th. Strengths: They can be no worse than last season and will benefit from squad being rested from Top 14 games. They should be at least better organised and traditionally do well in seasons following Lions tours. Weaknesses: There is still a sense of not all players buying into Philippe Saint-Andre’s style of power play. They cannot be helped by big number of foreign players in Top 14 which denies players game time. Star Man: Centre Wesley Fofana (Clermont Auvergne). Has the ability to open up games like no one else in the tournament and does not make too many mistakes. Boss man: Head coach Philippe Saint-Andre I’m a big fan but I don’t know whether the players are. It’s a big tournament for him. He must put French rugby back on the map otherwise he’s going to be under even more pressure. Six Nations History: Three Grand Slams (2002, 2004, 2010), five Championships (2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010). One wooden spoon (2013). Did you know? 5 – the record number of penalty goals missed in a match by Christophe Lamaison versus Italy, Rome 2001. Prediction: 1st. If France beat England I expect them to be pushing for honours. They could even lose a game and still emerge overall winners. "
Uncle Argyle
Guest
I'am tipping an upset win over the English!
cashead
Roar Rookie
Cotter doesn't start until around July or whenever it was that the current season of the T14 finishes. Scott Johnson will remain in the Scottish set-up as Director of Rugby, overseeing the entirety of Rugby in Scotland (presumably the two Pro 12 sides primarily, then the various domestic leagues within Scotland, starting with the Scottish League Cup and working downwards from there).
Colin McCann
Guest
He was always intended as an interim coach, even though he's had a very long term for a temporary position. He's got some other position within the SRU once Cotter arrives. No idea what it is though. So I think it's rather amicable, not exactly fired.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Vern Cotter is to finish with Clermont first in the top 14 as I understand it.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
I thought Johnson had been punted?