SCRUM: HOME SIDE HAVE TO PROVIDE A PLATFORM

When you play Italy, the first thing you need to get right is your scrum. Like France, they treat the scrummage with great respect and they almost see it as a proving ground for being macho and tough. They have produced brilliant props over the years who have exhibited these traits in abundance. Scotland have scrummaged pretty well so far, impressing against France and starting the game strongly against Wales, although they did drop off slightly. They will never dominate any team in the scrum — well, not any of the top teams. All they are looking to do is be secure on their own ball and provide a platform for the game to be started again.