Scotland coach Andy Robinson hoping for first win in Paris in 12 years
Andy Robinson , the head coach for Scotland is masterminding the first win in Paris in past 12 years, after he announced his 34 man squad for pre RBS Six Nations Championship training camp. In the 42 years of Scottish history in Paris, they have only won
twice, including last time’s victory in 1999 Five Nations tournament final at Stade de France.
Scotland’s confidence at the moment has reached its zenith, as they have won five out of six matches they played. They will be approaching Six Nations opener in France on 5th February with an uplifted face. Although, Robinson does have his insecurities,
keeping in mind what happened last time when Scotland played after a long break.
After first time winning a historic Southern Hemisphere series last June with a 2-0 defeat to Argentina, Scotland returned on field following a long break of five months against New Zealand and was thrashed by an epic 49-3 score difference in November.
Robinson said, “This first game is always a tough task for any of the teams.” He surely is right, as many examples have been witnessed in past as well. England lost their first match after winning the World Cup in 2003.
Robinson understands the seriousness of the situation and how important is it for Scotland to win in the first match. He believes it always is a tough task because the team has to come together having not played for a couple of months.
Robinson added, “You've got to find your rhythm, your togetherness in defense and collective will to stop the opposition from scoring, but also you've got to have your systems in place so you can be an attacking threat.”
Les Bleus are the Grand Slam winners of 2010 and are thirsty for a win after getting a beating from Wallabies of 59-16 in their most recent test. The coach knows the danger they are about to face in France, because it is a good French side and will surely
bounce back after the Australian defeat. French are considered to be slow starters but Les Bleus has proved it the other way.
Robinson said, “We know it's going to take a huge ask for us to go and perform there, but we have the quality to go and do that.”
He called up three different players this week for the training camp. Warriors flanker Rob Harley, Bath back Jack Cuthbert and Prop Jon Welsh have been summoned to St Andrews for the drill and master plan.
Rob Harley has played only one season at professional level, but the 20 year old lock has proved to be the most improved back row forward in recent times. Jack Cuthbert, the 23 year old and 6ft 5in tall full back has returned to the Scottish side and has
earned to do so. The progress of prop Jon Welsh from last season till now after recovering from a painful leg injury and broken jaw is remarkable. He lost a lot of weight and the former boxing champion has kick started again for his first ever Six Nations.
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