Whatt a treat to kick off this year’s Six Nations – a fixture that is looking more and more difficult to predict as time goes on.
As always, we and everyone else have talked up Scotland’s chances in the tournament, and discussed whether this could finally be the year that they deliver more than bravery in defeat and a close win over Italy.
There are some key units in the side with bags of talent – in particular out wide, where the back three can match any of the other team, and there’s a form fly-half intent on getting the ball to them. I’m excited to see Huw Jones in action at centre, and the forward pack should just about hold its own even without WP Nel.
The weather forecast says it should be dry on Saturday afternoon, and that should enable the Scots to play with pace and width – a tactic that has been so successful for Glasgow.
And Glasgow’s success could be key here – it might just give Scotland the confidence they have been lacking in previous seasons, that belief that they can close out a game, that they deserve to be on the right end of the result and the refereeing decisions. Perhaps that is the missing ingredient that we’ll see this year.
But what about Ireland? They are being billed as tournament favourites by some people, they were outstanding in the Autumn and they beat the All Blacks – so surely they can beat Scotland?
Jonny Sexton’s absence will be felt, but not as dearly as some are suggesting – Paddy Jackson is a very able deputy, and the whole side looks fairly formidable. Rob Henshaw features in most people’s Lions teams, and Garry Ringrose could well put himself in the frame if he lives up to his potential over the next couple of months.
On paper, the Irish pack should have the edge, particularly in the back row, where CJ Stander, Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip is up there with the best in the world at the moment, whilst Devin Toner and Iain Henderson will stand up to the Gray brothers in ball-carrying ability, lineout prowess and height.
Every match is obviously critical in such a short tournament, but it really feels like this is like a final for Scotland. If they lose, they look destined for another poor tournament, with a visit to Paris in Round 2 much more daunting on the back of a defeat. But if they win, they’ll fancy their chances of beating France, and with Wales at home in Round 3, they could arrive at Twickenham unbeaten. Lots of ifs, but it makes sense.
I’m leaning towards Scotland catching Ireland a bit cold and getting their tournament off to a flyer.
My prediction: Scotland by 2
Average Superbru Prediction: Ireland by 7.96
Paddy Power: Ireland by 5
What is your prediction for the match?
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I admire and wish I could share your optimism, but I think it’ll be 15-20. Scotland will get a bonus point, but Ireland will have the victory. From there, I think Scotland will get a couple more bonus points against France and Wales, and then beat a depleted Italy on the last day. And then the talk of relegation for these two teams will rear its ugly head again.
That said, if Scotland win, I can see them coming 2nd or 3rd this year.
On another note, the graphics and other predictions are a nice touch and provide good context and alternative opinion. Cheers!
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Yes, this feels like such a key game for Scotland and will define their tournament. I’ve talked myself into backing them having written this, and I’m even eyeing up 25/1 to win the tournament…what is wrong with me?
Glad you like the graphics, they are from Superbru and do provide some extra context.
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Obviously you’re not as used to being disappointed by Scotland failing to live up to their potential as I am! I absolutely think they can win it, I just don’t think they will, yet. Next year, though…
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Totally agree – I have never before looked at the result of an opening match as so important to a sides success in the Six Nations…
Maybe its my Scottish ancestry calling but I am also going with my heart over my head and picking Scotland to edge a close one. Scotland by 3.
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Well, 33 mins into game and Scotland is flying high!!???? defence is amazing and try gained by speed and skill….long may it last. Come on Scotland ????
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I actually think Scotland can win…..they had a pretty good autumn series and a backline that can really cause problems while the pack is pretty decent
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Seeing what Glasgow were doing to Leicester a few weeks ago was a good indication of just how dangerous this Scottish side is – but then Ireland have been very proficient and are oozing confidence (see how they closed out the match vs Australia). Mind you, missing Jared Payne is a huge blow – again, look to the Australia match to see the difference after half time when he had left. If they have a starting weakness, that is it.
I reckon it will be close – 5pts in it – and I suspect both sides will score 3 tries apiece (you heard it here first!). I back Ireland to edge it, somewhat based on that last comment about ‘catching Ireland cold’ – the ABs were expecting much the same at Soldier’s Field, and we know how that went!
Should be a cracker!
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The major issue with Sexton’s injury is not Jackson coming into the XV, but Keatly on the bench. Not a bad provincial player, but not someone I’ve never rated enough to be an international. Once we have two of Jackson, Sexton and Carberry I’m fairly happy.
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As a Scotsman it pains me to say that I think Ireland will edge it. Their back-row is world class, as is their front-row, and this should give them the upper hand at the breakdown and in the set piece. Scotland have the more threatening backs, but Ireland will largely control possession and limit our opportunities. Expect Ireland’s game to be forward dominated with an aerial bombardment from Conor Murray. I also expect to see them targeting Finn Russell; if Scotland lose him they’re in trouble!
I really hope I’m wrong and that Scotland can get some sort of parity up front; in which case we’ve got some game on our hands.
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Scotland by 7. I’ve got a gut feeling that this time Scotland will finally click and pull this one out of the bag. Home advantage seals it for me
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I have picked Scotland in Superbru but more in hope than anything else.The Ireland back row are top of the tree and I think they will dominate the break down and possession however at Murrayfield Scotland may just sneak in! !!!
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27-26 one way or another – something about that score…
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I was right! Winning team got 27, and YES! It was Scotland! They said Australian arrogance led to Ireland beating them in RWC 2011, Irish arrogance led to Scotland beating them here! I am over the moon right now!
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Called it on 3 tries apiece. Called it on a 5pt margin. Totally hashed it on the colour of the victor. Great shout on Scotland catching Ireland cold – although I dispute arrogance, it was simply that Scotland was far more intense from the start. Great match. Verdict on Ireland copying Wales’s 2013 run, anyone?
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