Drawn in the same group as reigning champions South Africa and number one ranked side Ireland, Gregor Townsend’s Scotland have a massive test ahead of them to reach the knockout stages of the 2023 World Cup.
However, after securing back-to-back wins at Twickenham against old rivals England, this settled Scotland side are showing promise that they can cause an upset at the World Cup later this year.
Scots Spoil The Party At Twickenham
With plenty of excitement over the start of Steve Borthwick’s reign as the new England head coach, the hosts were firm favourites to claim back the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham. However, Townsend’s Scotland, who are 7/1 in the 6 Nations odds 2023 to win the tournament this year, had different ideas and were celebrating in London after a 29-23 victory. The stunning brace of tries from winger Duhan van der Merwe helped Scotland to a memorable win in a game that swung in the balance throughout the contest.
The Scots have pulled off big wins in recent years but being in the title mix come the final day of the Six Nations has eluded them. Consistency has been the key factor missing from the Scotland squads in the past and is something Townsend has been determined to resolve. Performing well in back-to-back games will be essential for Scotland in their hopes of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, which eluded them back in 2019.
Learning Lessons From Japan
Scotland’s last World Cup campaign ended in bitter disappointment, they suffered defeat in the decisive game against a Japanese side that topped their group. The Scots were outplayed in their 27-3 defeat at the hands of Ireland, before suffering a 28-21 loss against Japan in Yokohama. It was a tough experience for Townsend and his team to go through but one they will be desperate to learn from going into the major tournament this year.
The challenge to reach the quarter-finals this time around is even greater, with the Scots taking on South Africa, Ireland, Tonga and Romania in Pool B. Scotland kick-start their tournament against the reigning champions South Africa in Marseille, before back-to-back games against Tonga and Romania. Townsend’s side will know exactly what’s needed when they take on familiar foes Ireland in their final group game at the Stade de France in Paris on October 7. Scotland have shown they have that big performance in them and will know they have a chance of causing an upset against the Springboks or the Irish in a bid to reach the knockout stages.
With Townsend potentially leaving the Scotland job after the World Cup, the former British & Irish Lions fly-half will be looking to finish on a high, or earn a new deal with the national side after the tournament in France. Reaching at least the quarter-finals is the aim for Scotland and, based on what they showed at Twickenham, there is growing optimism about what can be done at the World Cup later this year.
