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Pessimism can sometimes seem to come a little too naturally to Scottish rugby fans, a certain fatalism worn almost as a badge of honour after too many days of disappointment and dejection, of squandered opportunities and wondering what might have been.<\/p>\n
It perhaps feels somewhat appropriate, then, for Gregor Townsend to have assembled perhaps the finest side in the nation\u2019s long rugby history and still know a second successive World Cup pool stage effort is on the cards if the tournament goes to form. Plenty has already been written about the lopsided draw but it feels particularly cruel to the Scots, inarguably among the top five sides in the world but drawn together with two of the four top favourites in the pool.<\/p>\n
Townsend\u2019s band of history makers have risen to new heights over these last four years, turning Calcutta Cup hope almost into expectation and building further through these last few months. Top to bottom, the likely 23 that will begin the tournament against South Africa in Marseille contains few clear weaknesses.<\/p>\n
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And yet it may not matter: Ireland are enjoying their own heady days at an all-time high and have a top level that Scotland have, thus far, proved unable to match, while the Springboks power game the obvious kryptonite for a side that, for all its development, still lacks forward might. An improved Tonga are also capable of doing damage.<\/p>\n
Not that Scotland will simply curse their luck and ready themselves for another watching brief on quarter-final weekend. The fast, firm tracks likely to greet them during the pool stages should suit a side of Scottish swordsmen capable of carving even the staunchest defences to pieces, particularly if they can overcome a habit of stuttering out of the blocks.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy hopes are obviously very high and my expectations of this team are very high because I know they can reach them,\u201d Townsend said after Scotland arrived at their tournament base camp in Nice. \u201cWe are focused on getting our best performance out against South Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been talking about that for weeks and months. It\u2019s one reason why we went strong in three of our four (warm-up) games. A lot of what we\u2019re doing in terms of our game plan was set for South Africa, so it\u2019s a great opportunity to see how they go.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know there\u2019s some real tests ahead of us in the next few weeks but this team is ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Finn Russell, Townsend has an abstract artist to illustrate things, while Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham provide a thunder and lightning combination on the wings. The installation of Huw Jones at outside centre during this year\u2019s Six Nations is further evidence of the backing the coach gives his side to play with freedom \u2013 Chris Harris had put barely a foot wrong defensively for three years, earning himself a starting Lions shirt, but has lost out to the extra attacking potential that Jones offers outside of Sione Tuipulotu.<\/p>\n
Up front, Pierre Schoeman will relish an opportunity to test himself in the tight against Tadhg Furlong, Frans Malherbe and co., while Richie Gray is a rejuvenated figure in the second row. Townsend\u2019s group of back row forwards make up for a lack of size with intelligence, intensity and dynamism.<\/p>\n
Townsend signed a new contract through to 2026 earlier this year after speculation he may be set for pastures new post-World Cup. The timing, in some ways, felt curious, given the toughness of the task facing his side in France and the likelihood of back-to-back group stage exits, but it spoke to a belief that he remains the best man to take this side forward. Can he oversee another famous triumph at the World Cup? A premature departure may yet come but write this Scottish side off at your peril. <\/p>\n
Coach: Gregor Townsend<\/strong><\/p>\n Captain: Jamie Ritchie<\/strong><\/p>\n Key player: Finn Russell <\/strong>– Russell has clashed with Townsend in the past but the two now appear totally on the same page. A couple of waves of the magic man\u2019s wand from fly half might be needed.<\/p>\n Rising star: Rory Darge <\/strong>– Scotland possess a competitive, versatile back row group, but Darge appears to have usurped Hamish Watson on the openside and offers open field agility and breakdown savvy.<\/p>\n Big question: <\/strong>Can Scotland\u2019s pack, outmatched on paper, find a way against Ireland and South Africa?<\/p>\n
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