Ahead of the World Cup, it wasa 7-out-of-10 show ing
As the dust settles on the Six Nations – and Ireland continue to celebrate their Grand Slam – it is time to review Scotland’s performances in the Championship.
It was, without doubt, our best set of performances in this competition under Gregor Townsend.
As he continues to sit down with Mark Dodson to discuss his future, his negotiating position will have been strengthened.
Yet had the Italians been a little more clinical in the closing phases of their match last Saturday, Townsend’s position of strength would have been seriously undermined.
It was slightly galling to note that this was the first time that Scotland had been able to compete for a Triple Crown since 1990 – and for
40 minutes, they competed very well.
Yet some of the failings that have been so obvious in recent years surfaced in the secondhalf against Ireland.
Little inconsistencies, a lack of smart leadership and simply ‘not turning up’ cost them dearly.
The psychological ascendancy that Ireland have over Scotland came to the fore and, in the end, it was a fairly straightforward victory.
It shouldn’t have been that way.
But to bemoan Scotland’s failings in their last two matches is to be somewhat unkind, and it demeans their performances in the first two matches against England and Wales. The team sent out by Townsend (inset) seem to have laid the Twickenham hoodoo to rest, and they should have no fear of travelling south of the border any more.
For once, Scotland defeated a Welsh team coached by Warren Gatland after multiple attempts.
Not only did they beat Wales, but they demonstrated to everyone how far the Welsh have fallen since their golden era under the Kiwi.
Welsh rugby is in a terrible state, on and off the field, and that is being reflected in their results.
As a dress-rehearsal for the World Cup later this year, Scotland would definitely have to score around 7 out of 10.
There is still work to do and to lose to the top-two ranked teams in the world is nothing to be ashamed of .
Yet both matches could have been won. Scotland really have nothing to fear in the pool of death.
Keeping their key players fit and healthy should be the primary objective of all the coaches in the Scottish game, and if they are smart, they will manage their workloads carefully.
Scotland have good strengthin-depth in most areas. But in others, such as at fly-half, questions remain.
Townsend will do well to follow his new-found selection policy of selecting the players that are on form, rather than those with big reputations.
He may have some tough calls ahead of him as far as that is concerned.