Scotland will play host to Wales in a Round 2 Guinness 6 Nations clash on Saturday, 13 February.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
It may only be the second round of the 6 Nations but Saturday’s game between Scotland and Wales could well make or break each sides campaign. A win for either could put them in the driving seat for the title with three fixtures to play.
Both teams will be high on confidence after what transpired last weekend, but who will leave Murrayfield in the pound seat?
Scotland v Wales
Saturday 13 February
BT Murrayfield
18:45
To Win (80 Mins)
Scotland 47/100
Draw 20/1
Wales 37/20
Handicap
Scotland 9/10 (-4.5)
Wales 9/10 (+ 4.5)
Scotland
The ‘Scots pulled off one of the most famous wins in their rugby history last weekend as they beat the old enemy, England, 6-11 at Twickenham. This was their first win at England’s rugby fortress since 1983 and will see them riding high on confidence as they welcome Wales to Murrayfield.
The ‘Scots while somewhat wasteful with first-half attacking positions inside England’s 22 were full value for the five-point win. They were stoic on defence and gave England all sorts of problems at the set-piece.
We’re likely to see a bit more from the ‘Scot with ball-in-hand this week as well with the team having more time to gel and weather conditions likely to be more conducive to an attacking brand of rugby than they were in the English capital last weekend.
Wales
The pressure will have been taken off Wales’ coach Wayne Pivac somewhat after his side managed to get a win over Ireland last weekend. It was still a performance littered with mistakes, however, and had Irish flanker Peter O’Mahony not been red-carded then I highly doubt Wales would have come away with an opening-round win.
One of the main issues for the Welsh last weekend, was a poor lineout. They really struggled with hooker Ken Owens struggling with the darts, while line out specialist lock Adam Beard and veteran partner Alwyn Jones were beaten a number of times in the air by their opposite numbers.
Wales’ 21-16 victory also came at a massive cost with young winger Louis Rees-Zammat picking up what looked to be a rather serious hand/arm injury late in the piece. While there’s still a chance of Rees-Zammit taking to the field, his fellow winger Hallom Amos is unlikely to take the field as he suffered a head knock. He will most likely be replaced by the mercurial Liam Williams.
Another Welsh back who won’t take to the field this weekend is scrum-half Tomo Williams who sustained what looked to be a hamstring tear. Finally, Josh Navidi is likely to retain his place on the side of the scrum as the man he replaced in the opening salvos of Wales’ Round 1 fixture, Dan Lydiate, looks to have sustained a serious leg injury.
Verdict: Scotland 47/100If the weather holds out and we get a decent enough day at Murrayfield then I expect Scotland to win this one at a canter. However, a bit of rain would possibly level the playing field somewhat. Even if the heavens decide to open up, I still expect the hosts to bag the win.
