Scotland v Italy has been the 6 Nations’s Wooden Spoon
battle for the last few years, and little looks to have changed within that
respect, but today’s match is being approached with far more anticipation than
any of the recent renewals thanks to Italy’s tournament busting success last
weekend against France. That’s not the first time that the Azzuri have managed
to fell Les Bleus – they did so in 2011 – but the style in which they denied
the French any meaningful possession and and then capitalised upon a poor
attitude was a sign that they have indeed come on a long way since the
formation of the 6 Nations.
Gone are the days of a side fearful to play proper rugby
judged upon the slick offloading style and willingness to run displayed by both
forwards and backs against the French, although the real changing factor was Luciano
Orquera’s virtuoso display at 10. His run and break for Parisse’s try and offload
for Castrogivoanni’s score set up the Italy win, although a 100% kicking rate
was something that had not been seen since
the famous days of Diego Dominguez – a far cry for the Azzuri faithful.
Such is their improvement that the handicap offered for
today is no bigger than 5 points, but it should be pointed out that’s more due
to Italy’s improvement than Scotland’s backward steps. Scott Johnston’s side
lost 5 home games in 2011 but were in it for long periods against England and France
and are a much better side than the appalling showing against Tonga would suggest.
A 20 point losss to England would be seen as another step back in many eyes but
what has to be remembered is that Scotland were expected to lose by at least 15
according to the bookamkers, and despite Italy’s prowess, are facing far lesser
opposition here. With Italy having won just the one game against Scotland and
only 2 of 33 away trips in the 6 Nations, there’s plenty of reason to believe the
Scots and even things up in the Wooden Spoon race, although it would be a hsock
to see them do it by more than a converted try.
Advice
1 pt Scotland to win by 1-12 points (13/8 general)
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