Friday night rugby, with France vs Argentina to kick off things. Then Sat is Ire vs Fiji, Wal vs SA, and Ita vs NZ. Sun is Sco vs Aus, and Eng vs Japan
Been a great 4 weeks, lets hope for some great matches again! Game of the weekend looks to be Scotland vs Australia, and guess who’s going?
Well, to smash Australia was unexpected, but welcome. I still think Australia aren’t bad, but also aren’t good. Beating Wales and England isn’t anything to shout about at the moment. It sets up the six nations to be epic. Scotland opening with Italy, and closing with the next in form team: France in Paris. February is looking very juicy
3rd tough match in a row for Australia and due to injuries this wasn’t quite the same side that beat England. But I think more importantly Scotland’s attacking style isn’t one they are as easily able to combat. The first try to Tuipolotu in some competitions would get called back as it looks to me like he’s standing well within the 10m that both attack & defence have to go back. But other than that well beaten - and they’ll be disappointed for it.
I still think (even if they lose to Ireland next weekend) Australia can look at the tour as a success though, given where they’ve come from after Eddie at least.
Yes, beating England, thumping Wales, and turning up well to Scotland gets them a pass mark. Next week determines A, B, or C
For Scotland, I’d give them a C personally. B would be closer to SA. An A to beat them. Could have also gotten a B by holding Aus to zero tries
I think that’s a good sign that expectations are changing. From an outsider looking in with a historic view of Scottish rugby performances i’d mark this Autumn as a B+/A-, because the wins against lesser teams were pretty dominant wins and there’s not many teams that can push the top 4 (SA, Ire, Fra, NZ) at the moment.
Well that’s what we have to do in February: earn that A+. Last weekend is vs France. Ireland are at Murrayfield this year. We have Italy at home first round. This tournament writes itself after Christmas!