Scotland has slipped to 14th, behind Kenya

As a playing nation, the Scots are ranked ninth after the Six Nations tournament of 2011, behind Argentina and ahead of Fiji, but in terms of numbers playing the game, Scotland has slipped to 14th, behind Kenya and just ahead of Fiji

So how bad does it have to get for the SRu to realise they are incapable of doing the job

http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Playing-figures-leave-Scots-trailing.6746756.jp?articlepage=1

Every day it is anoher depressing story - what can we do?

"what can we do"

Firstly let's not take stats and figures at face value. Ok player numbers are dwindling, but we are going in the right direction under AR.

Results did not go our way in the 6N, however Scotland are not a bad team, they are just playing badly.

I would bet my house that in an international test match we would comfortably thump kenya.

Just think of it like the movie 300, the numbers playing the game are insignificant if the Standard of rugby is poor.

Technicaly we probably punch well above our weight and took both Ireland and England very close this year, not to mention made life difficult for the French in Paris.

I'm not saying the pro game in Scotland does not need improved, but to be honest both Edinburgh and Glasgow with 100% of their teams fit and on form are more than a handful for anyone

why isnt chris Patterson playing for scots reguarly his goal kiciking record is superb?!

hey cf - Paterson I believe has suffered from the 'utility back' syndrome. He can cover 10, both wings and full back, and has often been moved around to suit. Even in this 6 Nations he wasn't called up to start originally, but in Scotlands last two games he made those super cover tackles on Ben Foden and Luke McLean! Just superb, and his goal kicking is immense. I also think he's often deemed not big enough for the game but time and again he proves people wrong. his delayed pass for Niki Walker against Italy to send him over for a try was class.

Age is against him now though, but he's definitely a great guy to have around in a team environment for sure.

Something is missing from this list as Madagasgar has a huge rugby playing population also, its an island off South Africa.

Dreamer in 2005 hd was the only non Welshman to make into the statto's team of the tournament. He was also the only Scot to make an impression against us in that match and it was a travesty he didn't tour with the Lions.