There are scant few facts in what we're facing at the weekend, but I think there are some. The rest that we'll discuss is conjecture and opinion, which is fine as that's what a forum is for, I guess.
In terms of facts:
1. We have a greater depth and breadth of player pool and talent. Not saying man-for-man our players *are* better, but they really should be, on average and given the resources at our disposal. If we don't, on average, have the ability to field 23 (and in particular, 23) players, most of whom are better in terms of talent, experience and/or technique than the Scots, then WTF? Not being arrogant here: it's just a numbers thing.
2. They are far more settled, cohesive and familiar with the playing style and individual plays/tactics. That gives them a massive structural advantage, but also means they will likely play in particular ways that make the most of that cohesion and familiarity.
3. We are work in progress, with less being settled but also far less predictability in how we will play on the day. We need to use these two points to our advantage to derive a gameplan to make the most of our capabilities, whilst limiting Scotland's natural advantages (typically individual players like Finn, VdM, etc. but also that cohesion and known plays).
4. We have far more to work on in these two weeks since Wales. We're still developing systems from the ground up, whereas Scotland can use the whole of those two weeks to conjure specific tactics that will be used against us. They need less time to rote learn plays and calls and - conversely to point 3 - might come up with something/things very novel and targeted to hit us... and will be well-practiced at this come Saturday.
5. Related to point 1, our depth really should be better. We need to be targeting their replacements and the impact it will have on their structures and capabilities.
The rest is just opinion. I fear it will be a step too far for us on the day. Murrayfield is a tough place for us to travel to, now, and as Hogg said on the Jim Hamilton podcast, Scotland are best when their tails are up and have some confidence. We've given that over the last few years and belief is half the battle.
My gut feel is we'll come away ruing a game we should have won. We'll play some more good stuff (and hopefully more of that) but our defensive system will creak enough that their star players will expose us in ways Italy and Wales didn't. I do have hope that Felix and our defensive speed will put Finn under more pressure than he's been under so far this 6N. Chip kicks a plenty...
I anticipate this being a higher scoring game than either of the last two and, perhaps, a chance to see what we can do with ball in hand a bit more. IFW to come on and score a screamer, perhaps?!
Hopefully it'll be fun to watch and Puja's m-b-m analysis will be fun to do!
