Each year, the Six Nations seems to follow an all too familiar pattern for Scotland. The occasional strong performance is often followed by a disappointing showing, usually leading to no more than a mid-table finish at best in the final standings.
This year, the tournament looks to be going the same way for Gregor Townsend’s side. Defeats to Ireland and England were followed by a morale boosting 17-0 win over Italy, and now the team are at a crossroads. Strong showings in their final two games against France and Wales would represent a successful tournament in the eyes of most supporters, whereas two defeats would rub salt in the wounds of Scottish rugby fans who are still undoubtedly hurting from the dismal performances of the Rugby World Cup.
In their opening game in Dublin, there was a sense that Ireland were there for the taking, and captain Stuart Hogg fluffed a great chance to score when he dropped the ball before grounding what looked to be a certain try. That would have brought the scores level on the day, and it would have been anyone’s game, but Ireland grew in confidence after the mistake and saw out a 19-12 victory.
The game against England at Murrayfield was a difficult one to analyse. The inclement weather conditions made life tough for both teams, as the rain poured down and the wind drove against the stands. It was England who weathered the tempest with greater steel and determination, grinding out a 13-6 win to leave Scotland rueing what might have been. It was a far cry from the rip-roaring 38-38 draw at Twickenham 12 months ago.
The Italy win was merely a case of getting the job done. Townsend will have been pleased with the fact that Scotland kept Italy at bay for 80 minutes while scoring three tries of their own, but there was still an underwhelming feel to the performance and the result. Hogg got Scotland going with his first-half try before Chris Harris added a second after the break. Adam Hastings’ 79th-minute try and conversion added a gloss to the scoreline that Scotland’s display perhaps didn’t merit, but it has given them something to build on heading into the final two matches.
They face a tricky test in their next game, as they welcome France to Murrayfield. Flying in the face of most experts’ pre-tournament predictions, France lead the Six Nations standings having won all three of their matches so far, and are favourites to lift the trophy in the latest Six Nations odds. Scotland will be coming up against a youthful side brimming with confidence, and will need to demonstrate the same defensive resolve they showed in the Italy match.
Scotland’s final game against Wales will be an interesting one, as it will likely be something of a dead rubber given the fact that both sides have lost two games already in the tournament. But this could allow both teams to play with freedom, properly express themselves and finish the campaign on a high.
For Scottish rugby fans, a couple of strong showings and at least one win would be something of a fillip after the disappointment of Japan 2019. It’s up to the players now to give the supporters something to cheer about – the kind of performance they’ve been starved of in recent times.