Scotland
For the first time in a long time there is an upbeat mood in Scottish Rugby. Gone are the dark days of the Johnson era, as the optimism brought by Vern Cotter’s appointment sweeps in. They won two out of three of their November tests and they’ll look to keep up the winning ways.
Scrum
Scotland’s scrum was far from solid in November, even against a second string New Zealand side. They’ll be looking for improvement as the tournament progresses. If not they’ll be in for some long afternoons, especially at Twickenham. They conceded a penalty try against Argentina and they may concede one or two over the next two months.
Lineout
Scotland’s lineout used to be consistently the best in the Six Nations. It looks like they have the tools to make it a weapon once again. Ford’s throwing was very accurate in November and besides the Gray brothers they’ve also got genuine jumping options in the back row. With some of the other Six Nations teams struggling to secure their own lineout the Scots may target this area as a good source of turnover ball.
Half Backs
With Duncan Weir ruled out with an arm injury Finn Russell should get an extended run at 10. He offers more than Weir but he’s yet to prove that he can guide his team through a tight game. With Laidlaw at 9 he’s got experience beside him and he’ll get quick and generally quality service. Cotter will look to Russell to provide more in attack against stubborn defences.
Attack
Scotland scored eleven tries in November and their backs should be brimming with confidence. They have plenty of backs who know their way to the try line, especially the likes of Tim Visser. However they struggle to breakdown well organised defences. Cotter will have been working on making them more dangerous off set moves and he’ll hope to catch one or two opponents out.
Defence
A feature of Scotland’s play under Johnson was their poor defence. Teams knew if they just stayed patient the Scots would run out of tacklers and they’d be rewarded with a try. Cotter needs to make them meaner in defence or they’ll find themselves chasing games early on.
Impact on the World Cup
Scotland are the only Six Nations team not drawn against any of the other five in their RWC pool. Their campaign will be about building confidence and implementing systems. With South Africa expected to top the pool Scotland will need to win tough games against Samoa, Japan and the USA. Cotter will want his team to prove they can pull through some tight games in their Six Nations campaign.
Ones to Watch
Jonny Gray – The younger Gray brother had a very impressive test window and brought some much needed vitality to the Scottish pack. He’s been a big part of the improvements in Scotland’s lineout and very busy in the loose.
Richie Gray – Seems to have been reinvigorated by playing alongside his brother. At 2.08m he’s one of the tallest players in world rugby. He’s learned to use his bulk better when carrying and makes more of an impact around the park. His height and distinctive blonde hair mean he’ll be hard to miss.
Greig Laidlaw – The Scottish captain had a fantastic November series. The scrum-half provides quick ball and keeps the tempo high. Puts the ball out in front of his forwards and encourages them to hit it up at pace. He’s not afraid to snipe and he keeps the opposition defence honest. His performance will be vital to implementing Cotter’s game plan.
Expectations
There’s a real buzz now that Cotter is in charge. They’ll need to at least put in a performance first up against France if they’re to carry that through. They’ll view their three home games against Wales, Ireland and Italy as winnable. In their away games against France and England the focus may be more on the performance. Two or more wins would be a decent campaign for them.
WALES
Wales finally got a SANZAR scalp when they beat South Africa in November. Now they’re back in their more successful stomping ground of the Six Nations. Gatland has delivered three titles (including two Grand Slams) and he’ll have his sights set on topping the table for a fourth time.
Fitness
Warren Gatland has had his Wales squad working hard on their fitness since November. They aim to be the fittest team in the Six Nations and for that to carry over into the RWC. They’ll look to be in games after 60 minutes and then have their fitness see them home as the opposition tire.
Scrum
Wales’ scrum is one of the more solid scrums in the competition. They certainly won’t shy away from a scrum contest with the English on Friday. They feel that with Gethin Jenkins and Samson Lee they’ll have the starting props to at least hold their own. When the replacements come on they could have the upper hand if the English go for more mobile props.
Defence
With their focus on fitness Wales will rely on their defence to at least keep them in touch for the first 60 minutes. Defence played a major role in their victory over South Africa and Gatland will be looking for more of the same starting with England on Friday. They’ll need captain Sam Warburton at his poaching best to relieve pressure and create some turnovers.
Attack
Don’t expect anything too inventive in attack from Wales. Gatlandball hasn’t changed much over the years. It relies on the big runners in midfield breaking the gainline to get their team on the front foot. They’ll also have Leigh Halfpenny to return kicks so the opposition need to be wary of loose kicking. The added threat of Rhys Webb sniping from the base of the ruck may hold the defensive line enough to allow their ball carriers to beat a rush defence.
With James Hook overlooked Dan Biggar will be charged with running the attack. He’ll be backed up by Priestland and New Zealand-born Gareth Anscombe.
Impact on World Cup
Wales’ opening game is against their RWC pool opponents England. They’re at home for the Six Nations clash and they’d expect to win. If they do win it’s unlikely to be the drubbing they handed out a few years ago, however a win by any margin would be a huge boost ahead of the RWC. It’s likely that the RWC fate of one or both sides will rest on the outcome of their pool clash and even the slightest edge could tip the balance in their favour.
Ones to Watch
George North – Warren Gatland said that he’s not an automatic choice for his Welsh team. I don’t think you’ll find anyone else that would agree with him. North gives Wales that something extra. When bashing it up the middle doesn’t work he can provide a break that often leads to a try. It’s not just his size, it’s his hands, his awareness, he’s got a great step and he has the little bit of selfishness that a good finisher needs.
Rhys Webb – Provides much more from scrum half than Mike Phillips. He’s not as abrasive as Phillips but he loves to snipe and exploit gaps close to the ruck. He’ll keep the opposition defence honest and buy more time for those outside him.
Rob Evans – The prop was selected ahead of Adam Jones, who subsequently announced his retirement from the test area. Evans is highly rated in the Welsh set up and has impressed for the Scarlets. Along with club mate Samson Lee the fate of Wales’ scrum rests on some young shoulders.
Expectations
Wales only have two home games this year but they’ll be targeting at least three wins. They’ll look to finish in the top three and will fancy themselves for a shot at the title if they can beat England in the curtain raiser.
Fixture List
http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/fixtures_and_results.php
