Wales look to bounce back against under-pressure Scotland

Some teams carry the added pressure that comes with expectation like a tailored jacket slung over a relaxed shoulder. For others, anticipation of glories to come chafe like a pair of skinny jeans in early January.

Wales and Scotland both fall into the former category. These two rugby sides, these nations even, prefer to face up to challenges as underdogs. From Owain Glyndŵr to William Wallace, the heroes of England’s smaller neighbours are heralded for their willingness to charge into the maw of certain doom in honour of the cause.

Come Saturday, only one group of players will enter the Principality Stadium with the familiar feeling of their backs against the wall. Their opponents have no such luxury. There’s no need to look at what the bookies are saying. Stuart Hogg’s team are unquestionably favourites.

“If you look at last week’s performances why wouldn’t they be?” was Wales’ coach Wayne Pivac’s reply when asked about the disparity in expectations between the two teams. Indeed. Scotland’s win over England, although scrappy and perhaps lucky, was another major victory in a 12-month period that has also seen them win in London and Paris, as well as beat Australia and Japan at home.

Such is the depth of Scottish rugby right now that Gregor Townsend could make five changes to the 15 that secured a second successive Calcutta Cup – including his entire front row – without setting off alarm bells.

Wales are traversing a different path. An injury to Josh Adams has further tested the squad’s resources and means Pivac is now without 659 Tests’ worth of experience from eight absentees alone. Their most experienced starting flank is 22-year-old Taine Basham playing his ninth Test while his partner is the uncapped Jac Morgan, also