posted Aug 26, 2007

So does everyone I talk too apart from the deluded Frank Hadden. anyone think we will qualify ?????

Until yesterday the bookies had us as slight favourites over Italy to qualify - now we are exactly the same. After Italy's performance against the mainly A Ireland team if I wasnt a passionate Scotland fan my cash would be on them.

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posted Aug 26, 2007

Scotland can certainly match if not better Italy up front. Bit of work is required to fine tune backline moves... the waste of overlaps yesterday will need to be addressed. However, I think Scotland are a far better side than they were in the 6N and will qualify behind New Zealand.

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posted Aug 27, 2007

Scotland will go through to the Q final!

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posted Aug 27, 2007

We have a good world cup record, and this team will qualify for the quarter finals.

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posted Aug 28, 2007

I think you have to think back to the game at Murrayfield this year. That was an absolute shocker and the Scots will still be smarting over that loss. I know this is a different tournament but important lessons will be learned. No way you'll see Jason White - who is a huge bonus return for Scotland - turn down the chance to take points with 70 minutes on the clock. Nor will you see the ball thrown round in such a cavalier fashion. To be honest I think the Scots underestimated the Italians and they won't be doing the same again. Cusiter will be mindful of that and I expect the Scots to implement a kicking game to keep the Italians in their own half. No nonsense rugby, solid defence and Paterson's boot will see Scotland through. I predict an intercept try for the Portuguese against the ABs which will send them into raptures along with the crowd. Unforunately there'll be no time left on the clock to make up the 80 point deficit.

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posted Aug 28, 2007

I so hope you are all right guys but cant share your optimism.

Re last Italy game i was Hadden's tactics that were shocking - everything wide, dont take kicks etc. Not principally the fault of Paterson, Cusiter, Godman etc; albeit we played very poorly.............. again

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posted Aug 30, 2007

NZ
Italy
Scotland
Romania
Portugal

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posted Sep 7, 2007

Right you are, the All Blacks will win the group but not the W.C. Reason is, a single test they are awsome but at a long competition like the W.C they break down, remember '91, '99 and '03. Enough said.

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posted Sep 9, 2007

Scotland are without doubt the favourites to get the second spot in the group but that is not to say that Italy have a very good chance of upsetting them. I'd say that the Scots have a 70% chance of the second spot. The positive thing for Scotland is that this is actually their best chance of making the semis since 1991 in that there is no way that they can meet one of the southern hemisphere's big 3 in the quarters. Scotland just suffer from such a lack of belief against these teams. Wouldn't rate them as favourites to beat France or Argentina if they make the quarters but it wouldn't be the worlds biggest shock these days.

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posted Sep 11, 2007

Italy can't play as badly again as they did against NZ. Could be difficult for the Scotland.

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