New Faces Called Up for Scotland Six Nations Campaign

The Scottish side definitely aren’t facing the burden of high expectations going into the 2011 Six Nations Tournament as the only team they are supposed to beat out are perennial wooden spoon-winners Italy. The contest gets off to a tricky start for Andy Robinson’s men as they face defending champions France in their opening fixture on February 5.

Wales are favoured to win between two or three matches in this year’s edition of the tournament but very few expect them to go winless this time out. In fact, they are more likely to win five matches (14/1) than they are to get skunked (22/1).

Two wins or more is rewarding at an 8/15 price while three or more wins pays out at a very solid 11/4.

As it currently stands, Scotland are 16/1 to win the Six Nations Tournament and 66/1 to record what would be an incredible Grand Slam. At this point in time, they are second favourite for the wooden spoon but at a lengthy price of 4/1. Italy remain odds-on at 1/3 for that distinctly unsought-after accolade.

Three uncapped players have been named in Andy Robinson’s side with Bath’s Jack Cuthbert earning himself a call up while Glasgow Warriors pair Jon Welsh and Robert Harley have also gotten the nod. Scotland A faces a fixture against Irish Wolfhounds this Friday and it is expedted that several Six Nations players will figure in the reckoning for that one.

Over all, Scotland will be looking to build on the quality performances against England and Ireland last year and if they can hit the ground running in their early fixtures this time, then they’ll be well-poised to make a major statement.