Scotland whitewash 'a real possibility'

Monday 1 March 2010
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Six Nations > Scotland

Scotland already look destined for the wooden spoon in the 2010 Six Nations, but their defeat in Rome now enhances the possibility of a whitewash, according to one pundit.

Alasdair Reid, writing for the Daily Telegraph, said that Saturday's performance at the Stadio Flaminio demonstrated all the "ruinous profligacy" of the nation's previous setbacks in the tournament.

Scotland have now been beaten by the Italians in five of the previous 11 Six Nations tournaments, a record worse than any other country, though the pundit said the result will have further increased the pressure on Andy Robinson.

"His most pressing concern must be the sharpening of those basic skills which Scotland lacked in the opening stages in Rome. In the first quarter, the Scots had enough possession and territory to build a healthy lead; instead, they ended that period 6-0 down," Mr Reid pointed out.

Meanwhile, Scotland flanker John Barclay has apologised for the side' performance in the Six Nations so far and said they will aim to pick themselves up for the forthcoming game against England at Murrayfield.

Posted by David Rawlings