Darry Worthington takes a look at the Round 5 Six Nations clash between Wales and Scotland, which is being played on Saturday the 14th of March.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports.
It will be rather underwhelming Round 5 with both France versus Ireland and England versus Italy clashes being postponed due to Coronavirus fears. The postponement of these two games leaves us with just one fixture to look at this weekend, which is the clash between Wales and Scotland. Both teams are out of the running for the title but will want to end their respective campaigns on a high note.
Saturday 14 March
Wales v Scotland
Millennium Stadium
16:15
To Win (80 mins)
Wales 7/20
Draw 25/1
Scotland 22/10
Handicap
Wales (-7.5) 9/10
Scotland (+7.5) 9/10
Wales
The reigning champions have endured a rather tough title defence with loses Ireland (24-14), England (33-30) and France (23-27) seeing them head into their final fixture in fifth spot on the standings and with just seven points two their names.
It must be rather annoying for head coach Wayne Pivac as his side start the campaign with a solid 42-0 victory over Italy. And while the Italians never provide an acid test, hopes would have been high after that victory.
In terms of this weekend, the Welsh will be without the services of second-rower Jake Ball, who’s place in the side could well be taken by Will Rowlands. This also a possibility that Gloucester’s flying winger Louis-Rees Zammit may be handed a debut.
Scotland
Like Wales, Scotland have struggled this term but have managed to at least win two of their four fixtures with their victories coming against Italy (17-0) and France (28-17). They have struggled against teams who operate out of bases closer to home as they went down 19-12 to Ireland and 6-13 to England.
Scotland have struggled against the ‘Scots in the recent past having only won one of the last 13 games between the sides. That victory came at Murrayfield back in 2017. When the two sides met in last year’s Six Nations Wales ran out 11-18 victors.
Verdict: Wales (-7.5) 9/10
I think Wales will finish this one on a high. They’ve looked good in patches and I’m banking on them delivering a solid 80-minute performance this Saturday.
