Scotland v France – Scottish Outlook on RBS Six Nations

Team: Scotland

Number of Six Nations Titles: 0

Finishing Position in 2009 Six Nations: 5th

Scotland vs. France Stats (All time)
Scotland: W34, D3, L45
Biggest Winning Margin: 31-3
Biggest Losing Margin: 51-9
2009 Six Nations Result: France 22, Scotland 13

Chances: Yes, they really did beat Australia in the Autumn Internationals. However, they will probably still find life tough in the Six Nations. They will be as resilient as they possibly could be, but turning that into points against the likes of France and Ireland, will be tough. They have two fascinating home matches, their opener against the French, and other against England. All three of their other games will be played on the road, so it is not going to be an easy 2010 Six Nations for the Scots. They are capable of an upset on their day, but having the level of quality and consistency needed to reproduce that week after week, simply is not there.

They have Andy Robinson at the helm, he who couldn’t do much with England. Still, he has clearly instilled some belief in the Scots after what can be deemed a good autumn, even though they lost their last match to Argentina. It could all be about momentum for the Scots. If they beat the French, then they go to Wales in the second round of fixtures, brimming with confidence, and believing that that should be a game which they should win, as opposed to could win. It will be a lot different going there and having to look for a first win. It would be easy to say that it will all depend on which French side turn up on Sunday. They are still inconsistent, but still a major threat which can tear teams apart. Scotland need to work hard in the pack and quieten the French, making them doubt themselves. Robinson has called Chris Paterson back into the fold as first choice full back Rory Lamont is out through injury.

Key Man: Tough call. They are missing Jason White and Mike Blair, and even though he has just gotten back to the side, the boot of Chris Paterson could play a major role. He can be relied upon time and time again to slot over the kicks which can eat away at leads, or build them. His experience will also be vital alongside Chris Cusiter. The two will need to dictate the flow of the game, and under the right kicking conditions, and on top of his game, the more the Scots can keep the French pushed and turned back with a good kicking game, the more chance they will have.

Outright Six Nations Odds
22/1 at Bwin

Scotland v France Match Odds
France to win: 2/5 at Totesport
Draw: 25/1 at Bwin
Scotland to win: 5/2 at SportingBet