Scottish revival makes for mouth-watering Six Nations

CARDIFF: Nobody was left in any doubt about which team sits atop the world rugby pecking order, New Zealand’s clinical finishing and robust defence in their autumn campaign once again proving they are streets ahead of their rivals.

But the Six Nations in February promises to be a hotly contested tournament as Ireland and Scotland wrapped up their November outings in style and threaten to match the might of England.

The autumn series was a mixed bag for Wales, however, and a catastrophe for both France and Italy.

The All Blacks blooded a host of players little known in the northern hemisphere as they won all five of their tour games, although they were made to graft by Scotland (22-17).

The Welsh dominated the first half in their 33-18 defeat by Steve Hansen’s men, but were unable to convert pressure into points and the 64-year, 30-Test wait for a win over the world champions went on.

“Gone are the days that the All Blacks would put out a second-string side against Wales or Scotland and comfortably win the game,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland, who led the British and Irish Lions to a 1-1 series draw against New Zealand in the summer.

Scotland were undoubtedly the stand-out team of the autumn, Gregor Townsend’s side backing up their close defeat by New Zealand with a thrilling demolition of a 14-man Australia, the last team to have beaten the All Blacks.

“There’s been a lot of positivity around Scottish rugby. A lot of hard work’s gone in at a number of levels over the last few years and it’s great to get that win against the current number three team in the world,” Townsend said.

“Our next three games (against Wales, France and England) are really going to test us. Those three are excellent teams but we’ve got to go into the Six Nations with real confidence that we can do well.”

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, whose team won three from three in November, posting a record 38-3 win over South Africa before edging Fiji (23-20) and beating Argentina (28-19), insisted that he would not be experimenting at the Six Nations with fresh faces ahead of the 2019 World Cup.

“The Six Nations is such a tough title to get,” said Schmidt. “In the Six Nations you are obliged to go as hard as you can because you still need your top selection as they need to build their fluidity and confidence.”

While Hansen starred with the All Blacks and Gatland the Lions, it was England’s Eddie Jones who was named coach of the year by World Rugby.

Jones’ only defeat in 2017 came against Ireland in the final game of last season’s Six Nations, denying England a Grand Slam and halting his winning run since taking the job at 17 Tests.

“Every side wants to beat us. Whether they’re playing here at Twickenham or away, this is their big game of the Six Nations,” the Australian said.

Gatland added: “With where all the teams are, it’s going to be one of the closest Six Nations that we have had for a long time.”