Scotland didn't win a game in 6N this year, but they have two pluses going for them in Newcastle. Firstly, they are playing a limited Oz team, and secondly, it is likely that the weather and ground conditions will suit them more than they will suit the home team.
Like most NH teams when they tour in their summer: some experienced players have been left out to give new players a chance, and others were not available.
Their strengths will be in the forwards and in the knowledge of all their players about how to play a narrow, limited game in the wet.
Their pack will be good in tight work though most of them can shift around the park given half a chance with fellows like 2. Ford, 4. Gray and 7. Rennie being mobile.
Their scrum shouldn't be too formidable, especially as their experienced LHP, Jacobsen, is at home resting.
Their lineout is usually good, as I remember it, and though one lock, Hamilton, was suspended for fighting and missed the tour, Kellock is no mug. The other lock is Gray, the young athletic giant, who can intimidate lineout opponents. The Wobs had better have a strategy against him and use it next year also when he is back with the Lions. Hooker Ford can fizz around the field but on the other hand you wouldn't want him in your darts team because of his crooked throws.
One minus for the Scots is the absence of rising star no.8 Denton, who was injured just before the tour squad was picked. Their backrow will surprise the Aussies at the breakdown, including 6. Barclay who is moved to 8 for the test match. He will work well with 7. Rennie, who is a pain in the arse Poideven type. 8. Vernon will be a force from the bench. Pocock won't have it all his own way and may need help at the end of the game.
Flyhalf Laidlaw is not that experienced in the position, but have a look at young replacement Weir when he comes off the bench. He is going to be around for a long time. The Scots will miss midfielder Evans, who could not tour because Castres was still alive in the Top14 when the squad was chosen. Like Oz, the Scots' midfield will lack bite on attack.
It's a shame that winger Visser does not become eligible for Scotland, on residency, until after the game as he is an excitement machine who loves to score a try. The back to look out for is young fullback Hogg – rhymes with Mogg, and he is the same type of runner as the Brumbies fullback. Like Weir, he is also going to be around for a while.
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