Scotland’s Road to the Grand Slam

Scotland's chances of winning the Grand Slam in the 2025 Six Nations are promising but remain challenging given the highly competitive nature of the tournament. Here's an overview of their prospects.

Scotland’s side is looking in strong place currently, making them a tough opponent on the global stage. With head coach Gregor Townsend at the helm, they’ve put together a squad that mixes seasoned players with fresh talent, giving them solid resilience in every position. Experienced guys like Finn Russell, Sione Tuipolotu and Jonny Gray bring leadership and game-changing skills, while stars like Darcy Graham, Duhan van der Merwe, and Rory Darge inject some excitement and unpredictability. You can really see the team’s depth in how Townsend can switch out key players without losing quality, and the intense competition for spots is pushing everyone to perform better.

The backline is both explosive and creative, able to play structured or free-flowing rugby. The forwards have really upped their game in terms of physicality and set-piece accuracy in recent years. This mix of talent and tactical flexibility has set Scotland up as a team that can take on the best in the world, boosting hopes for success in tournaments like the Six Nations and more. I firmly believe that Scotland’s backline is the strongest in the tournament, and if they can match the physicality and set piece accuracy of the other sides they will have the best chance they’ve had in years of lifting the title.

Scotland’s Competition

Round 1: Saturday, 1 February 2025
● Opponent: Italy
● Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
● Kick-off: 2:15 PM GMT

The current Italian rugby team is a mix of emerging talent and ongoing challenges as they strive to compete consistently at the highest level. With captain Michele Lamaro and head coach Gonzalo Quesada at the helm, the squad has embraced a more dynamic and ambitious style of play, marked by quick transitions and an attacking mindset. Young talents like Paolo Garbisi, a skilled fly-half, and Ange Capuozzo, a speedy fullback known for his creativity in open play, have brought excitement and unpredictability to the team. Not to forget one of the most exciting players in world rugby at the moment, Tommaso Menoncello who brings pace and power into the midfield. Their forward pack, featuring experienced players like Sebastian Negri and Danilo Fischetti, remains strong in set-pieces and breakdowns, providing a solid foundation for the backs. Scotland will have their work cut out for this opening game. Especially as the Italians will be coming to Edinburgh with confidence on the back of their win over the Scottish in Rome last year.

Round 2: Sunday, 9 February 2025
● Opponent: Ireland
● Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
● Kick-off: 3:00 PM GMT

Scotland will be coming out all guns blazing for round two. They will be sensing an opportunity after a disjointed autumn nations series for the Irish. Despite this, Ireland are still heading into the 2025 Six Nations as the top pick from the bookmakers. This comes after their impressive run, winning the tournament two years in a row in 2023 and 2024. However, Ireland’s success over the recent years has come under the helm of Andy Farrell who will be absent from the 2025 tournament, as he is away preparing for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. This is another factor that will be pricking up Scottish ears ahead of this encounter. Interim coach Simon Easterby will take the reins and has kept a solid and experienced squad of 36 players. The squad includes experienced players like captain Caelan Doris, veteran flanker Peter O’Mahony, and prop Cian Healy, who just hit the milestone of being Ireland’s most capped player. Jack Boyle from Leinster is the only new addition, showing that the selection process is sticking to its roots. Plus, four up-and-coming players- Hugh Cooney, James McNabney, Ben Murphy, and Cathal Forde are also in the mix, which shows they’re keen on
developing future stars. Dan Sheehan, is also back after being out for six months with an ACL injury, which adds power and depth into the front row.

Round 3: Saturday, 22 February 2025
● Opponent: England
● Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
● Kick-off: 4:45 PM GMT

Scotland know how to beat the men in white in recent years, winning the last three Calcutta Cup matches, including those at Twickenham in both 2021 and 2023. This really shows they can handle the heat when facing their long-time rivals. England is in a rebuilding phase under Steve Borthwick. While they have a strong squad, inconsistency and the integration of younger players might leave them vulnerable in high-pressure games. The English were all over the place during the autumn nation series, implementing new tactics such as a high press in defence that was ineffective, which led to them constantly getting exposed in the wide channels. England’s fly half, Marcus Smith is playing some world class rugby, sparking magic from anywhere. However when the ball was received outside the stand off England’s threats were minimal. Furthermore, injuries to some of their key players such as Sam Underhill and Emmanuel Feyi Waboso leave gaps in the side. It’s very difficult to predict England’s form going into the championship, however we know they have a bounty of great players. The match is likely to be closely contested, with Scotland having a real shot at victory if they can maintain discipline, execute their game plan, and capitalise on England’s vulnerabilities. While England’s home advantage and depth could give them an edge, Scotland’s recent form against them suggests another upset is very possible.

Round 4: Saturday, 8 March 2025
● Opponent: Wales
● Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
● Kick-off: 4:45 PM GMT

Wales are in a funk. 12 losses from 12 in 2024. Their worst year since 1931. Since Gatland left in 2019, Wales has gone through a bunch of coaching changes that have caused some instability and made it hard to stick to a consistent playing style. His return in 2023 was viewed as a good thing, but the results have been all over the place. The team is still on the hunt for its identity, particularly in attack, where they’ve had a tough time replicating the smooth, creative rugby they played during Gatland’s first stint. These coaching shifts have also thrown a wrench in long-term planning and the growth of younger talent. Wales has always been known for having a solid scrum and line-out, but lately, those strengths have started to fade. The forwards are still pretty tough, but they’ve had a hard time asserting themselves, especially when facing off against teams like England, France, and South Africa. Without a dependable set-piece, Wales often finds itself starting games at a disadvantage, which throws a wrench in their overall strategy. This year Scotland take on the Welsh at Murrayfield, with the Scottish as well rehearsed as they are, you feel that a high scoring game could be on the
cards for the Scots.

Round 5: Saturday, 15 March 2025
● Opponent: France
● Venue: Stade de France, Paris
● Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT

This fixture is crucial as it concludes the 2025 Six Nations Championship. Both teams will be aiming to finish their campaigns on a high note. France has remarkable depth in every position, allowing them to rotate players without a significant drop in quality. Their domestic league, the Top 14, provides a continuous supply of high-caliber talent. This depth ensures they can sustain their performance even if injuries occur. Their scrum is one of the most powerful in the world, and their lineout is highly efficient, providing a solid platform for attacking play. Players like Grégory Alldritt and Paul Willemse bring physicality and mobility, making France lethal in broken play and around the breakdown. Furthermore, France benefits from passionate home support. Their formidable record at home adds an extra layer of confidence. Scotland has a chance to beat France, particularly if they play to their strengths—fast, open play, and disciplined defense. They will need to be tactically astute, managing possession and territory well, and capitalising on any opportunities to break the French defense.

Scotland’s biggest challenge of the game will be keeping up with France’s pace of play, which stems from their half backs, Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack. Dupont is widely regarded as the best player in the world, he is a game-changer with his vision, speed, and decision-making. His return after a successful stint at the Paris Olympics adds dynamism to the French attack. His Toulouse teammate is also returning to the Six nations after injury. Ntamick is a creative magician who can unlock defenses with his passing and tactical kicking. His recovery from injury strengthens France’s backline significantly. If Scotland can slow down the French ball speed and turn it into possession there is every chance of a victory.

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