Wales Vs Scotland - SUNDAY 12th FEBRUARY - KO 15:00 Gonna be a classic..!

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Wales Vs Scotland

Date: Sunday, February 12
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Millennium Stadium

Coverage: Live on BBC One Wales, BBC Radio Wales & online, S4C and Radio Cymru, plus live text and score updates on the BBC Sport website

Date: Sunday, February 12
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 15:00 (15:00 GMT)
Expected weather: Cloudy with a few showers likely. High of 5°C, low of 3°C
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
TMO: Giulio De Santis (Italy)



Scotland will encounter a Wales side oozing confidence when round two of the Six Nations concludes at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

The opening round of the Championship was a weekend of contrasting fortunes for the two sides.
Wales underlined their status as potential Six Nations champions with a rousing 23-21 victory over Ireland in Dublin. It was a wonderful advert for Six Nations rugby with two teams going at it hammer and tongs for a game won in the last 20 seconds.
That win came less than 24 hours after Scotland had started their challenge with a 13-6 loss to England at Murrayfield. The Scots created enough chances to have beaten their visitors last week, however simple errors coupled with a lack of tries led to another disappointing defeat for Andy Robinson's men, who have now lost three on the trot.
Just once in 13 attempts have Scotland won on the opening weekend of the tournament since Italy joined the Five Nations in 2000.
Scotland must now attempt to bounce back and beat the Welsh in their own back yard - something they have failed to achieve in a decade.
They came mighty close though in their last Cardiff contest after leading by ten points with seven minutes remaining, only for the now retired Shane Williams to score a last-gasp try to secure a dramatic 31-24 come-from-behind victory.
Winning away from home has been a wee bit of a problem for the Scots in the Six Nations, where they have won just once on the road since 2006 (23-20 against Ireland at Croke Park in 2010).
But despite Scotland's poor showing last weekend and dismal away record, Wales will do well not to underestimate Sunday's visitors who are expected to come out all guns blazing after asking for the Millennium Stadium roof to be closed.
With wet weather being forecast, Scotland - notwithstanding the apparent lack of abilities to score tries (at least in the past four games) - have backed themselves to take on Wales at their own expansive game.
"We cannot afford to underestimate Scotland, the amount of possession and territory they had against England last weekend meant that they should have won the game and they will come to the Millennium Stadium buoyed by that knowledge," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
Wales have won the opening two games of a Six Nations campaign on just two previous occasions - in 2005 and 2008 - and each time they went on to win the title and Grand Slam. Three of the World Cup semi-finalists' remaining four games are in Cardiff, starting on Sunday when try-shy Scotland arrive at the Millennium Stadium.
But following Wales' heroics in Dublin, the build-up to Sunday's Test has been blighted by the suspension of Bradley Davies, who will miss the rest of this season's tournament after collecting a seven-week ban for a reckless tip-tackle on Ireland replacement Donnacha Ryan last weekend.
Davies is the second Wales player suspended for that offence this season following Sam Warburton's dismissal and three-week punishment for an incident in the World Cup semi-final against France last October.
Davies now joins his fellow World Cup locks Luke Charteris and Alun-Wyn Jones on the international sidelines. But in a triple boost for Gatland, flanker Dan Lydiate has recovered from an ankle injury to reclaim the number six shirt, prop Gethin Jenkins has recovered from knee trouble to start and skipper Warburton also features after being in doubt with a leg injury.
However, Warburton has been wrapped in cotton wool this whole week and took a very limited part in training while staying clear of any contact work. Whether he actually leads the team out hangs in the balance and probably won't be known until the morning of the match.
In a game where the back-row battle will be absolutely crucial, everyone in the Welsh camp - and in Wales as a whole - will be keeping their fingers crossed that the inspirational skipper can defy the injury odds and help guide his team to back-to-back wins.
Wales are favourites, but nobody should have any illusions how tough this match will be...
Ones to watch:

For Wales: Former Wales captain Ryan Jones will, as expected, fill the second-row void against Scotland caused by Bradley Davies' seven-week suspension. Jones was exceptional at blindside flanker against Ireland in Dublin and his versatility is proving of immeasurable value to Gatland.
For Scotland: With Dan Parks calling it quits from Test rugby this week, Greig Laidlaw inherits the number 10 jersey for Scotland. The Edinburgh skipper won the first two of his three caps as a replacement scrum-half, before coming on at fly-half for Parks in the Calcutta Cup defeat to England. Yet an impressive display during the small amount of time he was on the pitch has been rewarded with his first Test start.
Head to head: Toby Faletau v David Denton. Scotland's Zimbabwean-born number eight Denton was deservedly named man-of-the-match following his Herculean ball-carrying against England last Saturday, and much of the same will be required against the tough as nails Faletau, who will always be found where the battle is at its most ferocious.

Recent results:
2011: Wales won 24-6, Edinburgh
2010: Wales won 31-24, Cardiff
2009: Wales won 26-13, Edinburgh
2008: Wales won 30-15, Cardiff
2007: Scotland won 21-9, Edinburgh
2006: Wales won 28-18, Cardiff
2005: Wales won 46-22, Edinburgh
2004: Wales won 23-10, Cardiff
2003: Wales won 23-9, Cardiff
2003: Scotland won 30-22, Edinburgh
Prediction: Neither history or form is with Scotland heading into this match, and while we're sure they'll give it a good crack - we just can't see Wales letting this one slip. Wales to win by nine points!
Rugby Union betting odds

The teams:

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Ryan Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Lou Reed, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams.

Scotland: 15 Rory Lamont, 14 Lee Jones, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Sean Lamont, 11 Max Evans, 10 Greig Laidlaw, 9 Chris Cusiter, 8 David Denton, 7 Ross Rennie, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford (c), 1 Allan Jacobsen.

Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Ed Kalman, 18 Alastair Kellock, 19 John Barclay, 20 Mike Blair, 21 Duncan Weir, 22 Stuart Hogg.

Lou Reed is his name he looks alright, hasn't been in the greatest form for the Scarlets. But i think he could fit in nicely.

The lineout probably will be bad again. But hey what can you do

I think Scotland will be better but Wales have this one. Its difficult to be that crap AGAIN after a string of poor performances. IMO the only way we'll score tries is if Robinson just brings in a completely fresh backline, thankfully there are form players at our disposal to pretty much do that. There's nothing like young confidence to boost a team, and I feel that Weir et al. will have that. Although Laidlaw is still looking sharp, but he only got 20 minutes, which is ridiculous. I don't want to see Robinson go, he's a good coach he's just made some SHOCKING decisions on the team sheet. I don't care if we lose against Wales as long as we have the youngn's out and not the shoddy rubbish we're used to and they get our try scoring record up to at least 1 per game. That's all I really ask! And y'never know, Scotland may pull off a spectacular win if they click in the try department, although my bleak pessimism suggests they won't. Here's hoping though!

Hats off to Wales they really do have some strength in depth at the moment, either way I'm looking forward to the game, I'll still be shouting for the boys in blue, although I hope Robinson takes the lesson from Saturday and makes some more formidable selections. No more pressuring lineouts and kicking to the corners, that's just the cop-out option and the Manchester city *cough* I mean Saracens tactics, and is in no way progressive.

gowales wrote:Keep the faith
In Gatland we trust

slartibartfast wrote:Who's the scarlet lock? He's ok isn't he?

ps. The Wales lineout couldn't be that bad again?

Ha ha ha...! I remember saying that in 1990...!

Neily I think your wrong, radical changes will really hurt Scotland, I think theyre best chance of victory is to play Parks against his team mates, and challenge the already struggling welsh lineout, who may well be without Davies, who single handedly saved our lineout from total anhialation!!! That is the biggest weakness of the welsh right now, but we are playing very strong when in the right areas, if your clever too use the infeild kicking game to your advantage, we do not look for touch, return with the bombs and challenge 1/2p. A nice mix of up n unders and corner flagging will leave the Welsh struggling for a platform, and nulify the backline which is where the real advantage is!

I think the scots fans are being overly pessemistic whilst some of my countrymen have clearly been drinking too much 2005 vintage.

The Scottish pack is more than capable of holding its own, Our scrum is good enough to gain parity but its going to be depowered with Ryan at lock and Geth and Smiler still out. Gill stepped up impressively mind. Our lineout will hopefully be better but Scotland can still kick to touch all day long and hope to pressure us. At least two throws are going to go astray for Wales you can almost guarentee it.

Their Backrow are no slouches and teh face of between Faletau and Denton is massive. Tipuric may have to be the openside and if Lydiate doesnt make it then Shingler is on the flank or Buggy boy. If thats the case our makeshift back row will have their work cut out.

The Scottich halfbacks cant be that bad again.

Scotlands midfield defence is better than Irelands.

Halfpenny has to be our place kicker.

Whilst RP makes the right decisions his execution was not there on sunday. His tactical kicking blew hot and cold tbh and Scotland will expose any loose kicks.

I think were in for a real game, I was far more confident about beating the Irish than I am beating th Scots.

We will have to up our game.Ireland huffed but they didnt puff.If that was them out for "revenge" then Lawd help them.
Scotland,if they get their selection right,will be a real challenge.
I expect harum-scarum stuff played at a zillion miles per hour.
Anything could happen!!

thebluesmancometh wrote: A nice mix of up n unders and corner flagging will leave the Welsh struggling for a platform, and nulify the backline which is where the real advantage is!

Parks is definitely not the man to do that. He lacks accuracy with every part of his game and he refuses to defend. Parks would mean a field day for the Welsh midfield.

maestegmafia wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote: A nice mix of up n unders and corner flagging will leave the Welsh struggling for a platform, and nulify the backline which is where the real advantage is!

Parks is definitely not the man to do that. He lacks accuracy with every part of his game and he refuses to defend. Parks would mean a field day for the Welsh midfield.

+1. Blues man, you're a Cardiff lad, Parks hasn't been in form for you? His kicking to touch, out of hand up&unders or for territory was mediocre at best against England, and that's supposedly why Robinson picked him. Parks can't take all the blame tho, hardly his fault that he was selected when in such a dire vein of form

Wales won 8 drawn 1 lost 3

I think your all underestimating Parks, his boot is a good un, and you don't make HC quarters with a poor 10, and he did play all HC games, the metro game in France he was good, and where your getting this poor form from I don't know, his boot is keeping a lacklustre Blues team in games.

He fails to ignite the backline but in reality Scotlands backline as an attacking threat isn't up to much, the odd Crash by Lamont and step by Evans is about all they have in the armoury.

V England he wasn't great, but was Cusiter? and was Scotlands ball quick, clean and usefull?

Also watch the Scottish linebreaks again, they all come from Parks in someway or another.

If Laidlaw tries to up the tempo, and open the game up V us in the MS theyre in trouble, we have pace in abundance, some devestating counter attack runners, not to mention the mindset to play a high tempo game, keeping the ball in play for as long as possible, and running the legs off the opposition. The odd player aside the Scottish pack will be replaced on 55 minutes because their lungs will pop, and being behind Parks will be braught on to play catch up.

Best bet is to keep the faith in Cusiter and Parks, play the % game and with 15 - 20 to go look to open up and give it a go, reduce the risk of us getting a lead from the start.

Parks is a poor tackler but that can be hidden these days, either out wide with Lamont in the 10 channel, or central as a sweeper.

Remember Scotland are in a position where they will seriously be expecting a mountain to climb at the MS, it's about being there or there abouts come 70, by hook or by crook!

thebluesmancometh wrote:I think your all underestimating Parks, his boot is a good un, and you don't make HC quarters with a poor 10, and he did play all HC games, the metro game in France he was good, and where your getting this poor form from I don't know, his boot is keeping a lacklustre Blues team in games.

He fails to ignite the backline but in reality Scotlands backline as an attacking threat isn't up to much, the odd Crash by Lamont and step by Evans is about all they have in the armoury.

V England he wasn't great, but was Cusiter? and was Scotlands ball quick, clean and usefull?

Also watch the Scottish linebreaks again, they all come from Parks in someway or another.

Absolute hogwash

he doesnt defend kicks too much ball away refuses to tackle throughs passes with no idea of what he is doing.

If the Blues had a decent flyhalf instead of Parks they would be a decent team, because of him they a scraping through to the HEC 1/4s.

I expect this game to be a close game to be honest.

Scotland did very well against England but England just cut them down every time they had the ball.

Wales, Wales won a hard fought game yesterday, but Scotland lost a hard fought game, so that makes this game to close to call.

majesticimperialman wrote:I expect this game to be a close game to be honest.

Scotland did very well against England but England just cut them down every time they had the ball.

Wales, Wales won a hard fought game yesterday, but Scotland lost a hard fought game, so that makes this game to close to call.

So you think that Scotland and England are better teams than Wales and Ireland after watching this weekends matches?

We will have to wait and see...!!!

So then its a Sunday game so the Rev won't be playing!

Scotlands front row will be pretty weak with out him, Chunk maybe ok in the scrum but his fitness levels are shockingly poor and Wales will run rings around him and Jim Hamilton.

Scotland are not going to win this game, they won't roll over because they are not stupid and they are not cowards but they will lose!

2 wins out of the last 13 in the six nations says it all,
Scotland are the best at talking themselves up as the ones to watch the "dark horses" when in reality they have the skill level of an under 12's team wearing boxing gloves.

They will talk big all week about putting things right,improving on the last game,how they should have won the last time in Wales,how they are not panicking in the camp,how all the pressure is on Wales blah blah blah!

Wales will be polite and throw the we won't underestimate them lines about a bit.

But they will know just like Wales know and everyone who follows the game will know that Scotland would be lucky to score a try.

So Scotland have only ever won once at the Millennium

Okay I'm not talking about the whole team, but we're never going to score tries with a lot of the current one. The pack are the only players who really make an impression, the backs have made a half-arsed showing once again and I feel like the only option is to completely turf them up. ie short term pain for long term gain. Plus they have the experience of Scotland A and club performances week in week out. I think to improve like Wales have over the past few years we have to take a leaf out of their book and just trust the form players to put in a performance. These guys are professionals and whilst they may not be as good as other internationals, they should be able to adapt to new game plans. It can't be more damaging than the dirge that showed up on Saturday, to me that hampers Scotland even more than if they were to lose scoring 2-3 tries in the process. Time to just man-up and throw some guys in the deep end.

My squad:
15. Hogg
14. Jones
13. De Luca
12. Scott
11. Evans

10. Laidlaw (for the sake of club pairing)
9. Blair

8. Denton
7. Rennie
6. Harley (Stroks is just far too limited, we're really missing Brown here)
5. Kellock (I felt he had more impact on Saturday than Hamilton)
4. Gray
3. Cross
2. Ford
1. Jacobsen (can't see anyone else playing there at the moment)

Bench: Lawson, Hamilton, Barclay, Cusiter/Lawson, Weir, S Lamont, R Lamont

Predicted side:
15. R Lamont
14. Jones
13. De Luca
12. Morrison
11. Evans

10. Laidlaw
9. Blair

8. Denton
7. Rennie
6. Stroks
5. Hamilton
4. Gray
3. Cross
2. Ford
1. Jacobsen

Bench: Lawson, Kellock, Barclay, Kalman, Cusiter, Parks , Hogg (being optimistic here, I bet Danielli will be on his list instead )

Lou Reed the Scarlet lock may well come in after Bradley decided to take a walk on the wild side

I'm willing to put my reputation on it that Scotland will score a try, if not 2 or 3!

View

But they are in the 1/4's without a scrum and lineout! His goal kicking was very good till 1/2p took over, and I get the feeling you see mistakes from the individuals POV, and don't consider the reasons, for example if a pass hits the deck the most common cause is miscommunication or an over run, making the pass is the easy part!

You also have to remember the blues pack isn'y particularly effective in the loose, as they rarely see Geth, have no decent Hookers, and an aging 8, Parks is regularly under pressure, and has a very inexperienced 9 inside him!!!

Thanks for talking up Parks my Welsh friends. I didn't go to the game on Saturday because he started. I expect a Blair Laidlaw start and Weir on the bench. Scott is not available for this tournament - exams therefore ? 12 and NDL 13, he is not a 12. Would guess,
Blair
Laidlaw
Morrison
NDL
Evans
Schlong
Hogg (hopefully) realistically Rory L

Who's the ref? Barnes let a lot go on the ground yesterday and allowed the attacking team to hold on to the ball a lot long than many refs. Wales benefitted from this.

it would seem scott does want to make himself available, at least as of the end of last month! http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/general-sport/2012/01/21/heineken-cup-matt-scott-keen-to-impress-scotland-coach-andy-robinson-by-reaching-last-eight-with-edinburgh-86908-23709942/

Matt Scott would be a great call for inside centre.

Cusiter/Blair
Laidlaw
Jones
Scott
De Luca
Evans
Hogg

that would be a much better scotland backline

NB, the Daily Record knows nothing about rugby. Scott is in the final year of his law degree, not available.

its not about knowing about rugby lol, its the words that came out of his mouth not the daily record

Hi Neilly, personally have the greatest respect for Scott If he continues studying. Nearly a***ed up my law degree by playing international Bridge. Not the same deal, but meant a lot to me at the time.

viewtothegym wrote:So Scotland have only ever won once at the Millennium

Keep talking.........

I don't have to Wales rugby will do the talking on the pitch, i really fear for Scotland.

At least Andy Robinson will have a nice big wooden spoon to stir up his pot of misery.

viewtothegym wrote:I don't have to Wales rugby will do the talking on the pitch, i really fear for Scotland.

At least Andy Robinson will have a nice big wooden spoon to stir up his pot of misery.

I'm glad most of your fellow countryman aren't as arrogant as you but I'm sure you influence some neutrals.

Bed now........

Bed now?
Im 33 next month!
I can eat a packet of biscuits for breakfast if i want! im old enough to do what i want pal, so chin up and don't sulk about your rugby team it ain't worth it!
Life has more to it than rugby.

Build up? What build up? Build up to what? Scotland are going to disappoint and get absolutely tanked, leaving no inspiration even for the opposition fans because it'll be like watching elephant vs snail [not to say that Wales are some sort of demi-god rugby team - they're awful, but an elephant in comparison to the Scots]

Yep - optimism level is finally at that golden number. Zero.

Can't be annoyed if I expect nothing.

The reason why im confident is because of the speed in which Wales play at, Scotland will not cope with it.
Scotland as always will be good at the set piece but fitness will be an issue come the hour mark and Wales be clinical.

I think Shingler may come in instead of Reed. Jones to 2nd row, Lydiate to start at 6, Shingler as 2nd row/back row cover although we are hoping there are no 2nd row injuries. Either way Aaron should be earning his first cap. Tempted to put Beck on the bench also.

justified sinner wrote:Hi Neilly, personally have the greatest respect for Scott If he continues studying. Nearly a***ed up my law degree by playing international Bridge. Not the same deal, but meant a lot to me at the time.

Well I never

Morgannwg wrote:I think Shingler may come in instead of Reed. Jones to 2nd row, Lydiate to start at 6, Shingler as 2nd row/back row cover although we are hoping there are no 2nd row injuries. Either way Aaron should be earning his first cap. Tempted to put Beck on the bench also.

Shingler instead of Powell would get a good reception.

majesticimperialman wrote:I expect this game to be a close game to be honest.

Scotland did very well against England but England just cut them down every time they had the ball.

Wales, Wales won a hard fought game yesterday, but Scotland lost a hard fought game, so that makes this game to close to call.

Although i agree that Scotland will cause Wales some problems, they always do. I just cant see that Scotland are in the same class as Ireland right now so expect a Wales win.

I am not so sure scotland should be under estimated for this match. sure it is not played at Murrayfield, but when you look closer at their results, there are much to learn from it.
Their last match at Millenium stadium was within a score. Parks on that particular day contributed with 2 drop goals and two conversion. Scotland scored two tries on that occasion.

Now one thing is for certain, Scotland has been trying to play running rugby, yes their execution has let them down for some time now.

Even though they lost by 13 points to France in 2011 Six Nations, they scored 3 tries, ran 359 meters and had 7/20/10 clean breaks/defenders beaten/offloads. Dan Parks played in that match.

Their last meeting against Wales was a loss by 18 points, but they ran an almighty 567 meters, had twice as many runs and passes as Wales.

Their 3 points loss to Ireland once again saw them run 418 meters with the ball, had more runs and passes than Ireland.

This continued against England during their six Nations match and also the world cup.

Again against Argentina and england last weekend.

They have dominated posession in almost everyone of those matches as well as territory.

Only one thing have eluded them, execution and patience at the finishing line.

It only requires one match to click and suddenly we will all think they are a threat.

As much as everyone is criticising Parks, he played in most of those matches. AR will not select him if he didn't believe in him.

biltongbek wrote:
It only requires one match to click and suddenly we will all think they are a threat.

I totally agree with that but i have been saying the same thing about Scotland for 3 years... Just if they click..... They havent done as yet and i doubt that they will against France. Scotland, sadly, are a team that put in loads of effort to just fall short most times. Must be horribly frustrating being a Scottish fan.

eirebilly wrote:

biltongbek wrote:
It only requires one match to click and suddenly we will all think they are a threat.

I totally agree with that but i have been saying the same thing about Scotland for 3 years... Just if they click..... They havent done as yet and i doubt that they will against France. Scotland, sadly, are a team that put in loads of effort to just fall short most times. Must be horribly frustrating being a Scottish fan.

True, the question is how many times do you bet against a horse threatening to win?

eirebilly wrote:

biltongbek wrote:
It only requires one match to click and suddenly we will all think they are a threat.

I totally agree with that but i have been saying the same thing about Scotland for 3 years... Just if they click..... They havent done as yet and i doubt that they will against France. Scotland, sadly, are a team that put in loads of effort to just fall short most times. Must be horribly frustrating being a Scottish fan.

Last time they clicked was the last time they were in Cardiff. We were lucky to win that match

I have no idea biltong but Scotland have been looking to win and put in a good performance for so long that i just doubt that they can now. I have no idea what is holding them back but i suspect that its the attacking coach (Townsend) that is not doing a good job.

Its not as if Scotland dont make breaks because they do, its just that support play and self belief that seems to let them down.

I can see them giving Wales a hard game, as they do most teams but see Wales winning comfortably in the end.

Dont forget that this Welsh team no longer stops playing after 65 minutes now, they play the full 80 minutes..... Cheating Welsh

Billy, I want to give you a comparison.

Before the world Cup started with the warmups in europe, I picked Ireland to win ther matches, during the world cup I picked them to beat Wales, last weekend I picked them to beat Wales, and yet they have dropped me on almost every occassion. The question is this. How long will they keep losing?

The modern game is a game of margins.

On the last weekend, even though outplayed for much of the match, Ireland lost because of a brain fart in the 80th minute.

Scotland played their hearts out and only a charge down by England got them the win.

ONE MISTAKE mate, it is all it takes.

I am fighting for scotland , because everyone is writing them off and says they can't score tries. Well it is not for the lack of trying. True in all likelyhood they will lose on the weekend, but pretty soon they are going to shock someone.

I know its all small margines biltong but Ireland also win a few of the games that they should have lost. Scotland just simply dont. They didnt lose to a chargedown on Saturday, they lost simply because they have no self belief. There were more than enough chances for Scotland to put England to bed but they could not convert them.

Thats been their story for so long. A few years ago they played Ireland off the park and still managed to lose. Its what Scotland do best unfortunately for them.

I guess we'll have to see.

I really hope for them biltong, i truely do as even as a neutral its painful to see them lose so often like this.

Wales will just be too strong for them i feel, even if they do click and play well.

eirebilly wrote:I know its all small margines biltong but Ireland also win a few of the games that they should have lost. Scotland just simply dont. They didnt lose to a chargedown on Saturday, they lost simply because they have no self belief. There were more than enough chances for Scotland to put England to bed but they could not convert them.

Thats been their story for so long. A few years ago they played Ireland off the park and still managed to lose. Its what Scotland do best unfortunately for them.

billy, do you mean the final match at Croke Park? We won?

I cant remember the exact match ASBO but i remember that Ireland were played off the park and Scotland still managed to lose.

Its the same as a few years back when Scotland played France, in France. Played better than France (including a dodgy linesmans call leading to a disallowed Scotland try) and lost.

I adore the international interest this thread causes where an Irishman is engaged in fierce debate with a South African over a match between Wales and Scotland.