Six Nations Preview: Scotland
Form: WWWLW
Fixtures: v England, @Wales, v France, @Italy, @Ireland
Scotland Player of the Tournament: Hamish Watson
One to Watch: Rory Darge
Prediction: 4th
Preview:
There’s plenty of optimism among Scottish fans coming into this tournament. After a strong showing in the 2021 Six Nations, including their first away win over England in 38 years, it’s clear that Scotland have completely turned the corner from the pre-Gregor Townsend era. The fast-paced, running rugby that Scotland deploy has been a revelation over recent years, but it’s been the huge strides they’ve made defensively which has been most impressive. On the surface, a 4th place finish in last year’s Six Nations isn’t overly eye-catching, but when you dive deeper, the Scots managed 3 wins from 5 games with their two losses being by a combined 4 points. They backed up their impressive Six Nations campaign with two wins from three in the Autumn Nations Series, including victories over Japan and Australia. Entering this tournament, Scotland have lots to be excited about and the idea of stepping up a level and winning the title isn’t far-fetched.
The development phase of this Scottish side is over, they now boast a squad with seasoned internationals who have built strong combinations over recent years. For Scotland now, they have the luxury of embedding younger players in the squad who have impressed on the domestic stage, rather than having to force it. Gregor Townsend has named five uncapped players in his squad, Andy Christie (Saracens), Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors), Kyle Rowe (London Irish), Ben Vellacott (Edinburgh) and Ben White (London Irish). All have been hugely impressive in their respective leagues this season and should have Scotland fans incredibly excited for the future. Outside of the five newcomers and bar the odd omission of Adam Hastings, there have been no selection surprises as every key player from last year’s campaign has been retained. Scotland’s starting lineup for the opening game is fairly predictable with most having cemented their spot, the only question mark is around the number 8 spot. With Josh Bayliss recovering from a concussion, it has left that spot open with Matt Fagerson and Magnus Bradbury the candidates to start there for the first test against England. The usual spine of Price, Russell and Hogg in the backline is set to be on show and test sides from all over the pitch.
Scotland have been continuously building under Gregor Townsend and last year felt the closest they’ve been to Six Nations glory in a long time. The great thing for this side is that there aren’t big changes needed in terms of the structure or huge problem areas that need to be fixed, it’s simply about continuing to build combinations and executing consistently week in week out. The core of this squad have now played together for the last 3 years, over that time they’ve ironed out defensive issues whilst building on their ruthless attack. This year if Scotland are to be successful, it’s about piecing those together to create well-rounded performances. Attacking wise, we know how dangerous Scotland are with Finn Russell running the show. With front foot ball and space to operate, the likes of Price, Russell and Hogg have the ability to break down any defence. What will be crucial this time around, is for their pack to constantly provide these mercurial players with quick, clean ball. To do this they must dominate the contact and ruck area, be physical and make dominant hits. With the likes of Watson, Ritchie and Gray, they have the tools in this department too. Defensively, Scotland have come on leaps and bounds over recent years, particularly in the wide channels. Part of the reason for that is Chris Harris, his ability to read plays and time his defensive decisions is outstanding, making him one of the best defensive outside centres in World Rugby. Harris will be a linchpin for this Scotland defence, his decision making in those wide channels is going to be vitally important, especially against the likes of Ireland, France and England who thrive on attacking wide off quick ball.
Scotland have the ability to do something special this year, but this season promises to be one of the most competitive in a long time with Ireland, France and England looking awfully strong. We predict that Scotland will manage 4th place in this tournament but as they did last year, be extremely competitive against every single team.
Squad Depth Chart (assuming all players available):
Sutherland / Bhatti / Sebastian
McInally / Turner / Ashman
Z. Fagerson / Schoeman / Nel
Gray / Gilchrist / Hodgson
Skinner / Cummings
Ritchie / Bradbury
Watson / Darge / Christie
M. Fagerson / Haining / Bayliss
Price / Vellacott / White
Russell /
Van der Merwe / Rowe
Johnson / Redpath / Hutchinson
Harris / Tuipulotu / Bennett
Graham / McLean / Steyn
Hogg / Kinghorn