Match Previews 
/ Stuart Jones / 10 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
James Hook is tackled by Alastair Hellock in last year's fixture
"Alastair Kellock has emerged as a genuine leader and forms a promising partnership with Richie Gray that looks set to cause Wales serious problems at line-out time."
They may have lost last weekend but Scotland are a team on the up, according to Stuart Jones. Wales, meanwhile, are in a world of trouble...
After opening week defeats, Saturday's clash between Scotland and Wales carries massive importance for both sides, with a win vital if either team is to stand any chance of taking the title. Despite the home side suffering a heavier defeat last weekend, it is Wales who will be under huge pressure at Murrayfield.
Scotland are undoubtedly very much on the up under Andy Robinson, and, after a successful autumn series that included a victory over South Africa, they look set to get their first Six Nations win of 2011 under their belts.
The Scots have finally found some steel up-front with their most improved area being the second row. Alastair Kellock has emerged as a genuine leader and forms a very promising partnership with Richie Gray, one that looks set to cause Wales serious problems at line-out time. While Scotland struggled in the scrums against France, they are unlikely to have anywhere near the same problems against Wales who are missing world-class props Jenkins and Jones.
The away side can't even look to the back-row to get them going as their trio were no match for England last week and Scotland may well possess one of the strongest units in the competition. Beattie, Barclay, and Hines mix brutal force with surprising deftness and, ably assisted by Richie Gray's mobility, are likely to gain far greater yardage than their opposite numbers.
Another big plus for Scotland is their fairly fresh-looking backline, with De Luca and Ansbro providing a surprising amount of quality against France, while the gifted Max Evans will always cause problems out wide. Their strong defensive efforts could be more important, though, and if they shut the big Wales talents out, Scotland will offer far too much up-front for their rivals.
As usual with Wales, though, a beaten pack does not always equal an impossible task. They still have players in the backline capable of blowing holes wide open and Scotland will have to be on their toes. Davies and Roberts are big runner, and if they, along with the talented James Hook at 10, can get over the gain line, gaps may well open up for Shane Williams and co.
It's hard to see Wales repeating their extraordinarily dramatic win in this fixture last season and I am looking to take them on in the main handicap market this weekend.
Recommended bets:
Back Scotland - 2.5 pts @ [1.91]
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