By Johnny Orr

As the competition edges closer, head coach Gregor Townsend has today selected his squad for the tournament starting in early February.

With superstar Stuart Hogg announcing his retirement from the sport in July, Scotland’s search for a replacement full back has been a struggle. Townsend has looked for reinforcements in England, he has picked forward Arron Reed for his first cap. The former England under 20’s player also qualifies to represent Scotland and he will do so for the first time next month. Townsend is exited by his inclusion, he said: “He’s got an exiting attacking ability, but he’s also someone who is really aggressive and offensive in defence.”

How will Scotland do in the tournament? It is unlikely that the Scots will be able to overcome defending champions and world no.2 Ireland or the tournament favourites France this year. Les Blues are expected to win comfortably by many experts and bookmakers. This comes after their powerful display in the World Cup back in October where they were narrowly defeated by the Springboks 29-28. 

Bookies have the Three Lions favourite to get third place and Townsend’s men to finish fourth. Scotland Kick-off their tournament against Wales, in Cardiff, on the 3rd of February in a match where they will look to get the win and gain confidence before playing host to France on the 10th at Murrayfield.

Scottish fans can be hopeful of a good performance this year. The Scottish squad has arguably the most continuity from the World Cup. Many other nations are dealing with more injuries and retirements than Gregor Townsend this year and this has forced him a selection headache, he says the good strength in depth within the squad has made his selections “difficult”. It is also a benefit to the Scots that their coaching staff have remained in tact from the World Cup with a host of other nations taking this time to rebuild and renew their strategies after the World Cup.

For Scotland the Calcutta Cup match against England could be key to their success for the tournament. The match will take place on the 24th of February at Murrayfield and Scotland will be sure to make the home advantage count. Scotland have won their last three matches against the ‘Auld Enemy’ and Townsend has recorded four wins against England in his time as Head Coach. Since 1990 the Scots have faced the Three Lions thirty-three times and only won seven times with four of those wins coming in the last four years. This Scotland side should be fully confident that they can outclass the English on home soil this year.