Can Scotland Overcome The Odds And Win The Six Nations?

The Six Nations is fast approaching. The historic tournament kicks off on February 2nd. This year’s competition will be exciting. All the teams are coming off entertaining World Cup runs. Now that we are entering a new World Cup cycle, many teams will look to rebuild.

It could leave the door open for an established Scotland team to cause an upset. Furthermore, with them coming into the championship on 11/1, you may want to take a longshot bet on them.

Scotland Ready To Write Wrongs 

Scotland had a disappointing World Cup campaign as they failed to make it past the group stage. They expected it to be hard with Ireland and South Africa alongside them. It could mean that Gregor Townsend’s team may not be as mentally exhausted as their opponents. Scotland may also want to prove they can win big matches and lift trophies.

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Compared to other teams in the tournament, they have had few significant retirements. It means there will be a lot of seasoned internationals looking to win a trophy for their country.

Injuries For Other Nations 

Now that an exhilarating 2023 World Cup is over, teams will look towards Australia in 2027. It means that there are likely to be many new faces competing in the tournament. Yet, the Scottish team is at the age where many key players still perform at their best. For example, Finn Russell, Jamie Richie, and Blair Kinghorn.

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Scotland has a nice blend of youth and experience in its squad. They haven’t had too many injuries like other nations. Critical players for England, Ireland, and Wales aren’t fit for the competition. Jac Morgan, Mack Hanson, and Tom Curry will not take part in the Six Nations this year. The stability of their players could give Townsend’s team the edge come February time. 

Key Players Retiring 

Injuries are only one problem hurting other teams’ chances. There have been retirements of key players, such as Jonny Sexton and Courtney Laws. It may put other teams at a disadvantage heading into the championship.

You also have French captain Antoine Dupont, training to compete at the Olympics as part of the French 7s. These players missing out could cause a lack of chemistry for the nations. It gives Scotland the perfect time to capitalise on this opportunity. 

Even though they are not the strongest team in the competition. If you were going to take a longshot bet on a team, it would be Scotland. 

Image Credit: David Molloy from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons