Six Nations expectations soaring in Scotland despite scepticism from outside

Expectation levels in Scotland are as high as they have been for several years ahead of a Guinness Six Nations revival.

The positive vibe north of Hadrian’s Wall is not in keeping with the assertion of those bookmakers who have priced up Gregor Townsend’s burgeoning side as fifth favourites in a six-horse race.

Scepticism from outside is perhaps understandable as Scotland have not won the tournament since 1999, when it was still the Five Nations. Nevertheless, there is a genuine sense that something special is brewing in Scottish rugby at present.

Underpinned by a couple of vibrant club teams in Edinburgh and Glasgow who are rearing an exciting batch of talent to augment top-class operators like Ali Price, Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg and Hamish Watson who went to South Africa with the British and Irish Lions last summer, Scotland are now regularly proving a tough opponent for the world’s top teams.

Ranked seventh on the planet, they have defeated four of their five Six Nations rivals, as well as Australia, over the last 15 months alone. Ireland are the only team in the tournament the Scots have failed to get the better of in this period.

There is respect, but certainly no fear of England – whom they beat at Twickenham last year – or France – beaten in their last two meetings. Recent experience of putting the two tournament favourites to the sword ensures confidence is high within Townsend’s squad.

“It should create belief, and it does, but it’s a new tournament,” said the head coach. “You’ve got to put your game out there and take on these very, very good teams over a seven-week period. Certainly the experiences this team has had should put them in a very good place and full of optimism going into this tournament.”

For all