SCOTLAND TEAM PROFILE


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Scotland were within a hair’s breadth of collecting the Wooden Spoon in 2008 and they will want to avoid a

similarly disappointing season this time round. Since they last won the tournament in 1999, Scotland have lost 31 of their 45 Six Nations games – this doesn’t make for pretty reading. Scotland play host to reigning champions Wales


COACH


FRANK HADDEN

Almost four years in the job, Hadden is the longest serving coach in the Six Nations – only Graham Henry has been in his job longer of the top ten rugby playing nations. Scotland’s poor record has been combatted by stellar performances from bleak situations under Hadden; two Calcutta Cup wins, an impressive defeat of France in 2006 and last Summer’s 26-14 defeat of Argentina in Buenos Aires. Hadden’s inspired selection and shrewd tactics masterminded the reversal of a 21-15 defeat a week before. Hadden’s critics say he should no longer be in the job, but the mild mannered Scot knows what rugby means to his compatriots: “As a proud and passionate Scot this is the ultimate honour and one I am determined to enjoy.”


Left Jason White is lifted high in the line-out Above Displaying the spoils of victory in the Calcutta Cup with England – the high spot last year




CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES / 117