How good is Scottish Rugby?

1982. When the HMS Conqueror sinks the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano. Channel 4 was launched in UK. And Scottish Rugby experienced their last taste of victory on Australian soil.

Tuesday 5th June 2012, that had all changed. Most of Britain was busy celebrating the jubilee weekend, Scotland national rugby side was celebrating too. But for different reasons. They had won against Australia 9-6 in a ranked international match re-writing the 30 year history.

The match it self was not the greatest advert for the global recognition. However, rugby fans, especially Scottish, will know what a good gritty performance the Scots performed, especially regarding Scotland nearly 3 months ago had achieved the six nations wooden spoon. Even with the Super Rugby season taking its toll, the Wallabies named a very experimental side and dreadful conditions. It was a world beating performance.

This raises the question that has world Rugby scratching their head. Why are Scotland ranked 12th in the international IRB rankings? Is this a nation that is waiting for the talent to explode into rage, or will the side self destruct under the pressure being pilled on them through media and quite clearly, themselves.

The two domestic sides. Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors playing impressive rugby in their domestical RaboDirect PRO 2012 campaigns and European rugby With Edinburgh missing out on the Heineken Cup final , what would have made them the first Scottish team to participate in the final, by 4 points. And Glasgow Warriors finishing in the top 4 of the RaboDirect PRO league.

Again which raises the question, why is this not transferring to the national side? could it be confidence? Does Scottish rugby not know how to win? Or is it pressure through expectation?

In general, I believe this current Scottish rugby side will grow. With key players such as Stuart Hogg will hopefully win more caps and grow into his full back position, and winger Tom Brown making his debut for the national side. With more experience and class, Scottish rugby could possibly, cause upsets and bring back glory days since 1999 in which they won the last 5 nations tournament.

Stephen Orwin