It's been a troubling time for Scottish rugby over the past few Six Nations'. The fact that Scotland have lost their opening two matches of the tournament for the past five consequential years speaks volumes of the decline faced at Murrayfield. However, despite defeats against arch rivals England and Wales this year, a few shoots of optimism are beginning to spring through positive displays, which saw the Scots unlucky to lose both matches.
A couple of lapses of concentration were enough to give England a win, while a 15 minute sin-binning moment of madness was enough to turn the game in Wales' favour. Scotland coach Andy Robinson believes he finally has the team moving in the right direction and has pinpointed the upcoming match against France at Murrayfield as the perfect opportunity for the Scots to re-establish their prowess on the rugby pitch. Needless to say, the French will have other ideas.
Speaking from his press conference in the opulent surroundings of the Princes Street Hotel, Edinburgh, France coach Philippe Saint-Andre asserted that “This match could prove to be a turning point,” when speaking on the upcoming clash with Scotland. “This will be crucial, for in terms of morale and confidence”, as Scotland represent probably the weakest opposition the French will face in their final run of games in pursuit of Grand Slam glory.
However, Scotland don't need any further incentive to win this match. The first game of the tournament to be staged at home, the squad will decamp from their Murrayfield hotel on Saturday knowing that with the next match being away to Ireland, a defeat at that hands of the French could see them facing the serious prospect of the wooden spoon. However, a 67,000 strong sell-out crowd could be enough to spur the Scots on to victory against the reigning champions. How far brave Scotland have really come, we'll know by tea time on Saturday evening.
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