Scotland to continue fine form with victory over Wales

David Skippers
Add as a preferred source on Google

After starting their Six Nations campaigns with victories against England and Ireland respectively, there will be plenty of optimism in Scotland’s and Wales’ ranks as they prepare for their Test at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The Scots are one of the most improved sides at Test level and a win in this fixture will be a significant accomplishment for them as it will be the first time ever that they win five consecutive Tests in the Six Nations. The last time they achieved that feat was in the old Five Nations during their Grand Slam-winning campaign in 1984.

Last weekend, Scotland ended a 38-year winless run against England at Twickenham courtesy of an 11-6 triumph over their hosts – a result which was set up by a dominant forward display – and they will fancy their chances against this Wales side, who were made to work hard for their 21-16 victory against Ireland in their tournament opener. This despite playing most of that match against 14 men after Ireland flanker Peter O’Mahony was red carded in the 14th minute after hitting a ruck and leading with his shoulder, striking prop Tomas Francis.

Scotland will not be lacking in motivation for this match as they will be aiming to record back-to-back wins against Wales in the Six Nations for the first time since 2002/03.

Last time they met

These sides went head-to-head in a rescheduled Six Nations encounter at Parc y Scarlets last October and Scotland emerged victorious with a hard-fought 14-10 victory. The result was a momentous one for Gregor Townsend and his charges as it was the first time Scotland managed to win a Test in Wales since 2002. The Scots controlled most of an error-ridden game, although Wales held a narrow 7-6 lead at half-time after Rhys Carre crossed for a try which was converted by Dan Biggar, with Finn Russell and Adam Hastings adding a penalty apiece for the visitors. Scotland continued to dominate and sealed their win courtesy of a Stuart McInally try on the hour-mark and a late penalty from Stuart Hogg, with Wales’ only points of the half coming via penalty from Leigh Halfpenny.

What they said

Scotland are a team on an upward trajectory and it’s no surprise that they head into this match full of confidence. They will not underestimate their opponents, however, although Townsend believes their win in last year’s corresponding fixture will help his troops.

“We have looked at that game and what worked well for us but we also know Wales are an improved team since the autumn,” he said.

“I thought they played really well last week, they had some experienced players back in the mix, and they have the confidence of an opening win.

“And I’m sure they will be determined to reverse the result from a few months ago.”

Meanwhile, Wales openside flanker Justin Tipuric admitted that his team face an uphill battle if they want to return to winning ways against their hosts.

“Obviously they’re favourites for the game and aiming to win the Six Nations,” he said.

“They’re playing at home and will want to continue (their form). We know it’s going to be a tough game.”

Players to watch

Injuries have wreaked havoc with these teams’ preparations. Scotland will be without the services of Cameron Redpath, Sean Maitland and Jamie Ritchie, while Wales head into battle minus the likes of George North, Josh Navidi, Johnny Williams and Dan Lydiate, but there are still several players who can make a positive impact on the match.

Scotland’s forwards laid the foundation for their win over England with players like Hamish Watson and Jonny Gray particularly impressive at the coalface, with the former catching the eye at the breakdown and the latter shining on defence and in the lineouts. They will be hoping to continue in that vein against Wales this weekend. Amongst their backs, their captain, Stuart Hogg, was superb at Twickenham as he gives his side impetus from full-back and he should provide Wales’ defence with some headaches once he joins the attacking line at pace.

For the visitors, experienced tearaway Justin Tipuric will have to be at his best to counter Watson on the ground, although he will also be hoping to give Wales attacking momentum with some strong carries up front. Another player who will be keen to show that he is not a spent force in the international arena is Wales’ veteran skipper and second-row, Alun Wyn Jones, who is sure to test Gray in the lineouts. Also keep an eye on young flyer Louis Rees-Zammit, who is a great finisher and, if he finds himself in space out wide, it should be a tough day for Scotland’s defenders.

Main head-to-head

Much has been said and written about the duel between Watson and Tipuric – after both impressed in winning performances last weekend – but we feel the battle between Finn Russell and Dan Biggar will be the more important one as both players are crucial in the implementation of their teams’ game plans. Russell’s superb playmaking skills gives him an edge over Biggar and the Scotsman’s ability to change the course of a match with a moment of attacking brilliance could swing things in his side’s favour. Although Biggar is not as flashy as Russell, he brings calmness to his team-mates as his game management is superb. His defence is rock solid and he possesses an outstanding kicking game while his aerial skills are also excellent. Whoever comes out on top in this battle should also finish the game on the winning side.

Prediction

Although both teams were forced into making changes for this fixture, Scotland are a more settled side with fewer alterations to their starting line-up. After losing several players to injury, Wales’ depth will be tested and playing at Murrayfield will also be a boost for Scotland, who will prove too strong in the end. Scotland to win by eight points.

Previous results

2020: Scotland won 14-10 in Llanelli
2019: Wales won 18-11 in Edinburgh
2018: Wales won 21-10 in Cardiff
2018: Wales won 34-7 in Cardiff
2017: Scotland won 29-13 in Edinburgh
2016: Wales won 27-23 in Cardiff
2015: Wales won 26-23 in Edinburgh
2014: Wales won 51-3 in Cardiff

The teams

Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg (c), 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Chris Harris, 12 James Lang, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ali Price, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Blade Thomson, 5 Jonny Gray, 4 Scott Cummings, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Rory Sutherland
Replacements: 16 David Cherry, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 WP Nel, 19 Richie Gray, 20 Gary Graham, 21 Scott Steele, 22 Jaco van der Walt, 23 Huw Jones

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Owen Watkin, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Aaron Wainwright, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Adam Beard, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Wyn Jones
Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Leon Brown, 19 Will Rowlands, 20 James Botham, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Callum Sheedy, 23 Willis Halaholo

Date: Saturday, February 13
Venue: Murrayfield
Kick-off: 16:45 GMT
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees: Pascal Gauzere (France), Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Karl Dickson (England)

 

Features