Scotland 6-13 England

It was generally recognised before a ball was even kicked this weekend that Scotland had more than enough in their team to dispatch England on their home turf.  The Scot’s went in as favourites, not a tag that sits well with Scotland fans, particularly in a Calcutta Cup game. 

There were only two things that could have happened to see the expected result reversed.  Firstly, England would play better than anyone realistically expected to outplay and even outmuscle the Scots.  The second scenario, and something that happens all too often in the eyes of Scotland fans: Scotland shoot themselves in the foot and contribute to their own downfall.

The first option didn’t happen.  England looked toothless at times and struggled against the phase play that the Scot’s strung together.  That said, they were never that uncomfortable either as the Scot’s huffed and puffed a lot, but never made significant yardage.

Following the 13-6 result, some painful truths became very apparent, if they hadn’t already before. 1 – Scotland struggle to break the gain line consistently and when they do, they can rarely capitalise on the territorial gain.  2 – Scotland have a near complete inability to score tries in internationals.  The situation is now at a point where head coach Andy Robinson has been making noises about walking away if there isn’t clear improvement.
Let’s look at the evidence. 

I’ll start by saying that hindsight is a wonderful thing, but even before his performance on Saturday, it was clear to many that the inclusion of the relatively ageing Dan Parks in the team following less than convincing displays in the World Cup was a backwards move.  Aside from the mistake that led to the English try (not the charged down kick so much, but the decision to run the ball from the 22 in the first place), Parks sits so incredibly deep when he plays that it makes it very hard even for the big men like Sean Lamont to make ground from first phase ball.  Compare that to Friday’s performance by Duncan Weir for Scotland A who played much flatter and could expose gaps in the defence quicker, ultimately leading to a great try in that game.  The introduction of Laidlaw and Blair in the second half on Saturday improved the Scots considerably.  Blair’s delivery was crisp and Laidlaw was flat and unafraid to either take on a defender himself or play through the hands.  The pair brought revived endeavour and almost a second half comeback.

Has Dan Parks played his last game for Scotland?

Scotland’s best breaks (Rennie and Gray) came with much flatter ball, with Gray in particular receiving the ball almost on the gain line with momentum, allowing him to break the tackle and make the yards.  I dare say that I think Dan Parks may well have played his last test match for Scotland.  Following his individual performance, the team result and the talent that he has competing for the 10 jersey, I just can’t see him starting again.

So what about the tries, or lack of them?

It could be argued that Scotland were unlucky not to score at least one on Saturday.  The right decision was made by the video ref in my opinion, I think it would have been a soft try.  There was a lot of talk from the studio pundits about the question that was asked by the referee to the video referee.  “Is it a try, yes or no?” was what he asked.  Some of the experts thought he should have asked “Is there any reason why I cannot award the try?”.  I think this particular point is a little ridiculous.  The referee was behind the play, looking at Laidlaw’s backside when the ball was/wasn’t grounded.  How could he possibly have thought it was a try and therefore asked the second question.  I believe he was correct in his enquiry.

I digress.  The problem with Scotland’s inability to score tries is now deep rooted in the team psyche.  It’s a problem that has now gone on for years and will be all too apparent to some of the more experienced players, perhaps adding an extra psychological pressure on them before and during games.  The introduction of fresh exciting faces like Lee Jones is an opportunity to get someone who has been scoring at will for his club to convert that success on the bigger stage.  Even that hasn’t worked, or at least it didn’t this weekend.  Max Evans and Lee Jones are great finishers, but often they are either left with too much to do, too deep or they never get the ball at all.  Our midfield isn’t creative enough to develop line breaks and set these wingers up to do what they do best.  Compare that to George North, Tommy Bowe or Julien Malzieu who have the physical presence and the skills to make things happen out wide.  Alternatively, look at Chris Ashton.  For all the things I don’t like about him, he does at least look for work by playing off the shoulder and coming into midfield so often. Scotland has neither of these options at the moment.

Scotland have an opportunity to put right the wrongs of Saturday, but it’s not going to be easy - next week they travel to Cardiff.  Wales demonstrated exactly what it takes to score tries against Ireland with the likes of Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts and the electric George North consistently punching through the Irish backline, showing the Scots how it’s done.

The fixture two years ago threw up a thriller, where Scotland (again) threw the game away in a ridiculous final 7 minute spell where Wales scored 17 points to claim a dramatic victory.  Robinson and his men will have to work hard this week and also take some risks.  His selection needs to be positive to at least give the Scotland faithful an idea of where their team is headed.  Only the very optimistic will forecast a Scottish victory next Sunday, but Scotland need to take the game to Wales and they need to score tries.