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Scotland written off

Sunday, March 22, 1998 Published at 09:23 GMT

Scotland written off
Rugby commentators across Britain have already written off Scotland's chances of success against England in Sunday's Calcutta Cup match in Murrayfield.

After their record 51-16 defeat against the French, few critics give them any hope against an English side that thrashed Wales two weeks ago.

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The defeat followed a narrow victory over Ireland but continued a trend which saw them embarrassingly outclassed by both Australia and South Africa and beaten by Italy before Christmas.

Not since the Grand Slam year of 1990 have Scotland experienced victory over the 'Auld Enemy' and have only won the fixture four times since 1977.

The former England lock Paul Ackford believes that Scotland, Ireland and Wales have fallen so far behind that England and France should play a combined Celtic team from now on.

"Much more of this and some human rights group organisation will cite the game as an example of man's inhumanity to man," he said.

Ireland's stirring display in Paris two weeks ago when they lost to France by just two points was cited as an example that all is not lost for the Celtic nations.

But according to Ackford the game was simply a result of French complacency: "Can you think of anything less stimulating than a match at home against a team you have beaten for the best part of three decades," he said.

Ackford is far from a lonely voice in the prediction that England will steamroller the Scots on their own turf this weekend.

The former England coach Dick Best believes Jim Telfer's side have next to no chance of avoiding a demolition against an England side who put 60 points past a Wales side considered to be the best of the Celtic nations.

"The label that has been attached to the Celtic nations of being second division has touched a raw nerve, but the Scots will need more than motivation to hold this England team that are crossing the border in search of another points-scoring spree," he said.

Dallaglio more careful

However, the England captain, Lawrence Dallaglio, is being far more diplomatic, perhaps mindful of the red faces in the English dressing room after the surprise defeat in the Scottish capital eight years ago.

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"We are taking massive respect for the Scots on our journey to Murrayfield," he says.

"Many of the Scottish squad have made an impact in the English First Division and we regard that as good credentials for playing international rugby. And the home-based players contain some experienced, quality men."

England will also be aware that it is six years since they have scored a try at Murrayfield. On the last two visits they have relied exclusively on the boots of Jonathan Callard and Paul Grayson for victory.

Scotland are never better than when they have been written off and David Sole, captain of the 1990 Grand Slam winning team, is hoping that the Scots can make their English critics eat their words.

"A win on Sunday would mean an awful lot, it would give the Scotland team credibility again in northern hemisphere rugby," he said.

"It would also make people reconsider some assertions that have been made about a two-tier structure in the Five Nations.

"They always have one big game in them every season and I hope Scotland have one in them on Sunday."

Scotland 'realistic'

The Scotland camp are realistic about their chances, but hope to surprise England with a performance the visitors may not be expecting.

"We know a bit about them and I respect these players," said Telfer.

"We will be taking that into consideration when we are looking at the relative weaknesses that they have."

Despite the perceived gulf in class between the two current sides, the Scottish coach is confident their long rivalry will ensure that motivation is not a problem.

"I don't think it is difficult to raise yourself for any Scotland-England game.

"Past form goes out the window when it comes to this fixture and this one is certainly no different ... Everyone is really keyed up for it."

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