Although it would be fair to say that Rugby Union plays second fiddle to football in Scotland’s sporting consciousness, the 15-man code still stirs the blood of thousands of Scots, especially when the 6 Nations rolls round once again. The hotels Edinburgh offer are packed out as winter turns to spring and the old enemies of Europe clash on the field of play.
Attendances at the tournament have been healthy for a number of years now and most games are full houses, which at Murrayfield makes for 67,000 supporters crowding the seats. With France and England the visitors to Scotland this year, there should be no problem packing out the famous old ground once again.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere in the streets and bars beforehand is always lively, with Scot’s from Rugby Union’s heartland of the Borders, across to the west coast and right up to Aberdeen and the Highlands coming together to back the team. The traditional camaraderie of Rugby Union combines with the natural hospitality of Scotland to make for a warm welcome for visiting fans.
The Teams
The Scotland team never gives its fans the easy option. It is something of a national sporting trait north of the border to do things the hard way and to mix the winning glory with buckets of glorious failure. Although there have been successes, the last time a Scottish side collected a Grand Slam was in 1990. They will battle to make an impact at the 2012 tournament and their focus will be on avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon rather than taking the crown.
Wales are perhaps the best placed of all the British sides, after their World Cup semi-final defeat. Whilst France are always strong (when they’re in the mood) Ireland will also be pushing hard. Scotland must travel to Wales and Ireland, as well as Italy and these will be tests of the temperament of the team, which must rebuild after exiting the World Cup in the first round.
Kick Off
So Scotland’s focus will be on beating Italy in Rome and gaining revenge for an early World Cup exit at the hands of the ‘Auld Enemy’ England. The clash with the Sassenachs at Murrayfield on the 4th of February should be eagerly anticipated with a full house expected.
Scotland welcomes France to Edinburgh three weeks later and host the colourful fans of Les Bleus in the streets of the capital. If Scotland manage to win these two home games and beat the Italians, it should be considered a successful campaign.
Edinburgh never disappoints when it comes to atmosphere and support for the boys in dark blue. Just hearing the skirl of the pipes before battle gets under way on the pitch is just spine-tingling.
Come on Scotland!!!
Thanks to demaharg
Hello, my name is Ryan. Just an ordinary guy spreading the love from the beautiful city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Feel free to email me by clicking on the wee white envelope below.
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Anyone know someplace good I can watch this in London-will be on my own and don’t want to be shouting for Scotland in a pub full of Englishman! Thanks
Hi Lynne, you need to get yourself along to the Albannach on Trafalgar Square or the Rob Roy in Paddington. 2 great Scottish boozers in London.
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