Scottish rugby not invited on major tours to New Zealand
Scottish rugby has suffered a huge setback with the news that they have not been invited on major tours to New Zealand within the next few years.
Sides often reveal details of all foreign and domestic tours against other international teams and Scotland are not considered good enough to play the All Blacks in their own back yard. The news comes as a massive blow to Scotland but could put a smile on the faces of many betting people.
This is because Scotland still have a relatively well organised side and although they performed badly during the recent six nations event, they were by no means hammered in any of the performances.
If they are not allowed access to play better teams on foreign tours then it means they will have to go about their own business and play slightly weaker teams. This could give them a huge advantage, as they would be considered the favourites in the majority of games they play.
Reasons for Optimism
Although the Scottish rugby team will admit that they only ever want to play the best sides in the world, a run against a weaker series of teams could allow them to get some confidence back and start playing well again.
This would allow the side to build up a nice run of results, which they could then take back to the bigger sides in international rugby. These results could then be used as proof that the side are by no means terrible.
Scotland must remember that they will have some big tests before they play New Zealand. The likes of Argentina will tour Scotland early in 2012, which could come at a time when both teams are trying to create an impression just after the World Cup.
Future Tour
It does not look like Scotland will be touring New Zealand until 2016 at the very earliest. This is a huge time frame, which includes two World Cup events. By this time Scotland will be a totally different team either for the better or for the worse.
They will use this setback to their game as a chance to relax and improve because there will be many disappointed players and coaches within the current set-up. They would not have expected a rejection from New Zealand within the next couple of years and they will be doing all they can to make sue it doesn’t happen again.
A lot also rests on how Scotland perform during the World Cup next year. If they push and do very well, reaching the later stages, then it will be impossible for the chiefs of bigger sides to ignore them. This could force the likes of New Zealand into a rethink over their tour schedule, which could work in Scotland’s favour.
Betting Advice
Keep a close eye on the standard of opposition that Scotland are going to be playing over the coming months. If they are playing weaker sides then put all of your money on the Scots. They will be full of disappointment, passion and a want to prove everyone wrong.
This could lead to some impressive results over slightly weaker teams so do not be afraid to put bets on large winning margins. There are going to be one or two examples of Scotland being obviously stronger than the team they are playing due to their organisation and experience.
In terms of the World Cup it is better at the moment to back off and keep your money in your pocket. Scotland face a big ask if they are going to disrupt the momentum of Australia, England, France, South Africa and New Zealand next year.
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