Six Nations: Scotland backed by Glasgow skipper Ryan Wilson to challenge for title
Scotland players celebrate with the Calcutta Cup after the Six Nations match at BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh. Picture date: Saturday February 5, 2022.
Experienced Scotland back-row Ryan Wilson is confident over the team’s chances of winning the Six Nations for the first time ever.
Capped 50 times by the national side, Wilson has been a key part of the set-up over recent years but is not in the current squad.
He therefore watched on as Gregor Townsend’s men battled to a 20-17 victory over England, a result which retained the Calcutta Cup and put them in Championship contention.
Scotland’s next challenge is a game against Wales, a team that succumbed to Ireland 29-7 in their opening match of the tournament.
Not won in Cardiff in 20 years
Although they haven’t beaten the Welsh in Cardiff for 20 years, Wilson believes that the schedule is set up well for the Scots.
“You don’t want to get too far ahead of yourself,” he told the Scotsman. “But you go down to Wales, and they weren’t great at the weekend, were they? We’ll find out if it was more Ireland being as dominant as they actually are, but Wales weren’t great.
“Then suddenly you’re at home to France with two wins under your belt and anything can happen there. I’d back the boys at home against France, even with the way they’ve been going. Then suddenly you’ve got Italy, then you’re playing against Ireland for a potential Grand Slam.
“Like I said, I try not to get too far ahead of myself. But I’m excited for what the boys have got ahead of them.”
Wilson talked up Scotland’s chances prior to the Six Nations and expected them to overcome England last weekend, but the Glasgow back-row was ultimately relieved that he was proven correct.
“I had spoken so much in the press and on the podcast I do about what I think Scotland were going to do,” he added. “I was just hoping the boys could back it up so I couldn’t get too much stick this week, and they certainly went and did that. So it makes my life a little bit easier.
“But I could genuinely see it. I knew that they were going to go out and do it. Bloody exciting to see and roll on Saturday – I’m looking forward to that as well.”
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