It is now six years since Scotland last finished outside the bottom two and thirteen years since Scotland's last tournament win - in the old five nations, but will 2012 be any better?
Last year: Fifth
Fixtures:
Sat 4th Feb 17:00 Scotland v England
Sun 12th Feb15:00 Wales v Scotland
Sun 26th Feb 15:00 Scotland v France
Sat 10th Mar 17:00 Ireland v Scotland
Sat 17th Mar 12:30 Italy v Scotland
With Kelly Brown out for the tournament, Chris Paterson having retired and questions over the fitness of Al Kellock a squad struggling for strength in depth has been hit with a number of heavy early blows. Whilst sometimes strength can come from adversity you'd also have to fear what might happen if things go badly.
Scotland can take some faith from the progress of Edinburgh reaching the Heineken Cup knock out phases for the first time in 8 years and they will still have some strength in depth from their pack, though with Brown gone, Kellock questionable and two games on Sunday which Euan Murray is unlikely to compete in even this rock is looking a little less than solid. The back line is somewhat uninspiring, and with Paterson gone you'd have to feel that any side who can run in a couple of tries will beat Scotland.
Whilst the weakening of Italy (as mentioned before) by their move to the Stadio Olimpico and loss of Nick Mallett will probably spare Scotland the wooden spoon I can't see an awful lot of optimism beyond this and I reckon they'll finish fifth in what could be a disappointing and possibly final season for Andy Robinson
What do you think? Where have I got it right and / or wrong?
Six Nations Preview - Scotland
posted on 27/1/12
Comment Deleted by Article Creator
posted on 27/1/12
Too many false downs from scotland in recent years and this squad being uninspiring i have no problem agreeing with you. They are just not good enough.
Also, i don't think italy will lose to the scots in Italy. It will be the final game of the tournament and its a home game despite the change of venue i think Italy will have enough to win.
Itally have also been progressing well at club level, treviso being one of the only Pro12 teams to go to raven hill and win. Treviso have taken some major scalps in the HC, Toulouse can attest to the difficulties in beating a motivated Italian club side. And france also fell under the power of a motivated Italian side last year.
Honestly i fear this could be one of the worst seasons ever for scotland.
posted on 27/1/12
false dawns * (damn this touch screen nonsense, i mean really whats to point in a touch screen for someone with chubby fingers!)
posted on 29/3/12
Ok we ended up with the wooden spoon, so why the hell is robinson still in a job?
Ridiculous decision.