Looking ahead to the Six Nations Alan Quinlan spoke to BOYLE Sports and assessed Scotland's chances ahead of the upcoming Six Nations whether they can topple Ireland and has blamed Scotland’s players, rather than coach Gregor Townsend, for their difficult autumn
Elsewhere the former Ireland International offered his perspective on if Ireland can reignite their spark in the tournament, his prediction for France vs Ireland and what names could be breakthrough players for Ireland in 2026.
Scotland Rugby
Does Scotland Need A Coaching Change?
He's been there a while, and there's a bit more pressure. The Argentina result in November was a major disappointment. Their biggest problem has been consistency; it's the same word used in relation to Scotland over the years. Most Six Nations, they go into as dark horses, but they've fallen away so many times because, on paper, they're a very strong team.
The reality of the situation in Scotland is the pool of players they have to select from. Ireland have four teams; Scotland have two. It's difficult. I don't see a change unless they have a real fall-off in the Six Nations, and I don't think there should be a change. It's not a style or game plan issue letting them down; sometimes, they are just overpowered.
Scotland’s World Class Backs: Forwards Must Step Up
They always have good loose forwards. It's probably the front five. Pierre Schoeman has been a great addition, and Zander Fagerson is a top-class tight head when fit. But I think it's the depth in the front row and second row.
In an ideal world, Scotland would have a couple of world-class players in that front five, and that changes things dramatically. You can't just invent these guys with a magic wand. Look at South Africa, England, and New Zealand; they have a lot more depth. It is difficult when you only have two professional teams to select from.
Could Scotland Topple Ireland?
Ireland have been dominant against Scotland in the last 10-15 years. Scotland go to Rome for the first game to build momentum, and they'll fancy England at Murrayfield in round two. If they get a result against England, after three rounds, they could have three wins.
On their day, Scotland can beat anyone. Sometimes they play with a desperation that's unbelievable to watch, and it's very admirable. But it's about seizing opportunities and probably being a bit more ruthless. Maybe having that pragmatic side to their game that I'm not sure they have when you have someone like Finn Russell orchestrating the attack.
Ireland Rugby
Ireland’s Six Nations Assignment
There were a lot of questions asked of Andy Farrell in November. There's the Sam Prendergast vs. Jack Crowley situation, and Ireland have stagnated a little bit.
My hope is to see a spark back in their attack. The game has changed; stats show territory is far more effective than overplaying in your own half. But I'd love to see Ireland's attack click a little bit more. We've seen glimpses. Losing three games isn't a disaster, but the expectation for the level they were at for 2022 and 2023 brings scrutiny.
Ireland's pool of players is small. It's difficult to find players in key positions that make a real difference straight away. Particularly, the centres Gary Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, and Bundee Aki have been around a long time. There is a little bit of predictability about it.
France vs Ireland
The expectation is that it's a really difficult game, no matter how good you're perceived to be or what your form is. It's always a challenge, probably even more so when it's the first game. They went to Marseille two years ago and produced a phenomenal performance, but remember, there was no Antoine Dupont or Romain Ntamack that day.
After the World Cup, there was a surge of belief that this group could continue, but it probably needs a little bit of fresh blood. However, you can't just suddenly throw a few rookies in against France away at the Stade de France.
Ireland need to focus on what's in their control: the way they play. There's a similarity with the other Celtic nations in that we probably can't go out and bully teams. When this group was at such a high level a couple of years ago, the forwards were collectively so efficient. Their set piece was good, they were physical, they had good ball carriers, and there was loads of evasion in their attack. For Ireland to get back to that level is difficult.
They have physical players, but obviously, the problems against South Africa around the scrum have created a perception that other teams can sense opportunities there. So they have a lot to fix before France to try and get their mojo back.
Ireland’s Names To Watch
Zac Ward has been outstanding for Ulster this season, and he's someone that's come into the mix. Mack Hansen has been a loss. Jamie Osborne is a brilliant footballer, possibly moving into the centre positions, it's probably a more natural position for him.
Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson are two young players from Munster who were in the squad for November. Paddy McCarthy came in and did really well. Ryan Baird will be back as well. If they get their best team and luck on the injury front, they're definitely a team that can challenge for a Six Nations, but they are probably just that level below the top two at the moment.
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