LET’S SHAPE OUR OWN DESTINY
Forget about Ireland, Scots can triumph by executing their gameplan to perfection
THERE is no room for second guessing in the race to be crowned first among equals.
As Scotland attempt to make another piece of Six Nations history, then, they cannot — will not — be distracted and diverted from their core beliefs.
Never mind what happened in Dublin last weekend. Ignore even the merest suggestion that Gregor Townsend can simply ‘do an England’ on the Irish.
If the home team are to emerge victorious from this afternoon’s championship clash at BT Murrayfield, becoming the first Scottish side to win their opening two games since the 1996 Five Nations, they will do so by staying true to themselves.
‘We’re certainly not going to go out to try to play like England,’ declared captain Greig Laidlaw yesterday.
‘We will play like Scotland. We’ve got to back ourselves in what we do — and everybody’s got to buy into it.’
So much of the chatter surrounding today’s fixture has been about the visitors that, at times, Townsend must have wondered if his players were even being considered a live factor in round two.
Today, the challenge is to grab the narrative by the scruff of the neck. Make the 80 minutes all about Scotland. Become the story far beyond Edinburgh.
Laidlaw, leaning on his team’s 11 wins from their last 13 games at Murrayfield for support, said of Ireland’s struggles: ‘That’s not our worry. Ours is about ourselves, our record at home that we’re extremely proud of. We want to build on it and we’re ready to go.
‘If we want to go on and take the next step, it’s games like this we need to win against quality opposition.
‘Ireland are certainly that. They’ve proved it over the last couple of years in the competition and are one of the best teams in the world.
‘We have a lot of respect for them and, if we want to win, we’ll need to play one of our best games.’
Although Scotland are committed to doing things their way, that doesn’t mean Townsend hadn’t already noticed, in Joe Schmidt’s master plan, the same frailties that caught Eddie Jones’ eye. Without access to the head coach’s private dossier, it’s still probably safe to assume that Townsend has noticed the Irish tendency to ‘mark space’ rather than the man at times.
It’s a defensive alignment that doesn’t leave gaps, as such. But does present some tempting overloads for a team willing and able to go wide quickly enough. A team like Scotland.
If talk of a ‘physical battle’ always seems a little redundant in a full-contact sport like rugby, it would be helpful if someone in the home ranks gave Peter O’Mahony something to chew on in the early minutes. Call it a marker.
Beyond that, the ideal scenario would see Ireland rocked back on their heels at the gain line. Repeatedly. All the usual things will have to work, despite the forecast for strong winds today.
Box kicks aimed to land about six inches from touch. A chase that gives the receiver no time to brace himself; cue Sean Maitland, chosen over Blair Kinghorn for a clear reason.
There will be no Robbie Henshaw at full-back to bully this week, with the return of Rob Kearney a genuine bonus for Ireland.
Johnny Sexton having two bad games in a row, meanwhile, is something that happens about once every five years.
Although Scotland will undoubtedly put pressure on him and half-back partner Conor Murray, preferably legally, they certainly cannot expect them to fold.
‘They’re definitely right up there — two of the best in the world,’ said scrum-half Laidlaw of the opposition’s 9-10 partnership.
‘Conor is a big guy for a halfback, so, when he does look to break, he’s strong.
‘His passing game and his kicking game are both excellent.
‘It’s a credit to both Conor and Johnny that Ireland have built a lot of their success around those two and their skill sets, their passing, kicking and running games.
‘They will be looking to those two again, looking for them to provide direction.’
The agreed message from within the Scotland camp is one of calm confidence. Almost a feeling like they’re beginning to peak, in this World Cup year.
‘I think we’ve matured a lot (in
the last year),’ said Laidlaw. ‘Bringing Sean Maitland back into the team is a real positive, in that respect.
‘Blair Kinghorn was excellent last week and him being on the bench is excellent for us.
‘But Sean is a big player, he’s played in a lot of big games for Sarries, for Scotland, for the Lions. He has so much experience.
‘Finn Russell has really stepped up in that area of his game. He’s always been an excellent player and he’s added some levels to that side of his game.
‘I think going to France with Racing 92 has shown that, with his performances there and his showing last week.
‘That experience will be vital against Ireland. We need these guys to give us direction — not to panic when the game is tight.
‘Don’t play too early if it’s not on. But, if it’s on, we go and take our opportunity.
‘It’ will be part of the challenge, just choosing where to play.’
Although Scotland won’t be overly concerned about the mental state of the visitors, the Irish have to be under pressure.
As we can all testify, playing catch-up after one round of the Six Nations is not a pleasant experience.
If the game gets tight, a hint of desperation may creep into proceedings.
Ultimately, however, you can see this game coming down to moments. Individual decisions or efforts.
The Irish, for instance, love to wrap runners up in a choke tackle that keeps them on their feet and creates a maul, from which the ball has absolutely zero chance of emerging.
The entire contest, then, could be settled by a Scottish ballcarrier getting his knee on the floor, prompting referee Romain Poite to call out ‘Tackle, green!’ — and avoid a turnover.
Goes the tackle, so goes the match. So goes the championship, with victory elevating Scotland to the ranks of title challengers, defeat putting our boys back in among the pack.
It’s tough. It’s the Six Nations. A tournament not known for throwing up second chances to those who dither or dally.