So can Scotland escape the Group of Death? | Rugby World Cup 2023 Preview

One of the World Cup's best attacks is stuck in a pool with maybe the two best defences. Scotland head to this World Cup knowing the task facing them, yet with so much cause to believe. So how is Finn Russell running their attack, what tricks do they have up their sleeve, and can they, ultimately, escape the group of death?
If you've enjoyed any of the channel's content, you can also support Squidge Rugby on Patreon by visiting / squidgerugby , so I can feed some fish little pictures of Finn Russell

[@brodericki4281]

“King of the flash cunts” possibly the best line I’ve heard!

[@johnmc3862]

That's a great line in all fairness.

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

Tuipulotu is a heck of a find for Scotland. Dude feels at home in Scotland, and the national team get the centre they never knew they needed.

[@davidmacdonald8342]

SRU clearly spent all the money on making a good U20 team on finding thew absolute gems of every other rugby country who had scottish grans

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Bollocks. You cannot "feel at home" in a country where you require a visa to play a home game. Must be fun arriving back from a game in France or Italy and having to stand in the long queue. At least he is not alone there, what with all the South Africans...

[@frecklefart909]

​@@Karma-qt4jiChrist lad, cry a bit f**king harder 😂 You'd swear the Scots were the only team that do it 😂 Literally every other team does it, other than SA probably. But even they can't select a squad without them giving out about the colour of the player 😂

[@StaalBurgher0]

"Heck of a find" hehehe

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

@@Karma-qt4ji oh I'm not discounting the embarrassing state of British visas and the islands general condition of xenophobia. I'm saying that Sione enjoys living and playing in Scotland.

[@B42UC4]

Pool B is insane. Tonga and Romania are very physical teams which means even the "easy" games will be taxing.

[@paulwalsh598]

Tonga and Romania are decent and Pool is a death group, but I am just glad it does not have Fiji and Georgia instead of Tonga and Romania.

[@Jacksiloution]

​@paulwalsh598 Jesus christ nobody's making it out of alive if fiji and Georgia are there

[@paulwalsh598]

@@Jacksiloution Absolutely, Fiji and Georgia are 2 seriously good teams.

[@raphaelrenaudie9319]

"The core of Rugby Union as a sport, the absolute most basic principle - maybe second after classism - is the notion of attack versus defense. Two units trying to outwit and out muscle each other the balance of power and eventual result decided by which team can get the balance right between those two and overcome the opposite from the opposition." Squidge Rugby is an absolute poet!

[@gordonlynch771]

In Scotland the saying goes, "it's the hope that kills you..." And by God Squidge you've GIVEN me hope! 🤣❤️ Keep doing everything you're doing loving the content as always! 🎉🎉🎉

[@carrotcake9408]

"bigger box of tricks than a clown with a TARDIS" Deed! 😂

[@AyeTVsco]

If Richie Gray hadn't gone off injured early in the first half vs Ireland the lineout would've been fine. He's massive for that team

[@barrypower6822]

lol delunded

[@melishek0001]

​

[@melishek0001]

​@@barrypower6822Spelling? if you are going to be smart.

[@jamesm9995]

Exactly right, it was a huge loss

[@gordon1545]

@@barrypower6822 You don't think losing their very best line-out jumper, by far, had a big impact? It's obviously you that's deluded.

[@fomofud9479]

As a Saffa I can tell you I'm not 100% confident we'll beat Scotland. I was at the '99 RWC pool game at Murryfield and all I remember was Scotland and the Boks were neck and neck until about the 60th minute. It was one of the best rugby stadium atmospheres I've ever experienced and the night out afterwards with all the fans mixing was just amazing. I'm looking at this game in this world RWC in exactly the same way as the game with Ireland 50/50. May the best team win. If the Boks don't make the knock out stage I'll be joining the tartan army!

[@korocam9137]

Starts Up Front, SA have powerful forwards, Captain Kolisi back!

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@korocam9137 he certainly is!!!! holy crap he looks hungry!!!!

[@andreasjsn]

This is why it is called the pool of death, we cannot underestimate Scotland anymore. Although I feel we will make it out of the pool, I know its going to be touch and go. It could just as easily be Ireland that does not make it out. Like you said 3 50/50 games between the 3 big teams in that pool. I wonder how important winning margins will be against the other teams.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@andreasjsn No one is underestimating Scotland. But Scottish fans are underestimating the Boks.

[@dhirshg]

I feel the same but the Boks will bring their absolute A-Game for that fixture!!!

[@Allyphant2909]

Thank you in the first instance of giving me some semblance of hope that maybe we can pick off a win against either South Africa or Ireland. The task ahead of us is so daunting I have been a little angry and fatalistic. I needed a video like this, with a bit of outside objective perspective, to help me a bit. Thank you in the second instance for actually speaking the truth: Finn Russell is, at his best, the best tactical kicking ten in the world. I was banging my head against the wall during the 2021 Lions tour at the lazy commentary coming from some quarters about Finn Russell. People talking about how he wasn't a Test 10 because the game is about tactical kicking and not being King of the Flash Cunts. I remember Stephen Ferris actually physically laughing at the notion of Russell being the Lions 10 because A) He plays for Scotland and B) He clearly has just internalised this lazy characterisation of Russell as a show pony when people who actually watch the guy play know he is a master tactical kicker. His performance against England at Twickenham in 2021 was the best kicking performance by a northern hemisphere 10 in God knows how many years. It is time the man got his due so I was glad to see you make that point and make it thoroughly and well.

[@JINXRSAMobile]

Gonna be a tough pool

[@AlphaNevada123]

I’m glad you’ve given recognition to gilchrists input into the team. He has over 60 caps (probably would have been closer to 80 barring injuries) and yet is very rarely spoken about by commentators or pundits.

[@purple_rose7477]

Absolutely. And the fact he has been VC on numerous occasions and co-captain he is a very underrated player. My daughter's favourite player too.

[@johnstrac]

I've been watching Scottish rugby all my life and I think we need to keep an eye on both Tonga and Romania before we start counting chickens.

[@calvluc8316]

Exactly.

[@iteamy]

Would be classic Scotland to beat the Boks then lose to Tonga

[@douglasstewart999]

Tonga yes. Romania - sadly, not this time around. They've been pretty poor recently.

[@Stonium]

Oh great. Now I'm afraid of Scotland too. Thanks... Bok fan.

[@chrismouton1985]

This was fasctinating! There are some terrifying players in the Scotland team and the whole Huwpuloto combination can be lethal. That game against South Africa makes me nervous.

[@fatboi42]

Fantastic analysis of the Scottish game, thank you for your hard work and talented look on the game. Here's hoping Scotland can make the better of that group de la muerte!

[@RoomsOversouled]

I hope Scotland will make it ! What a challenge. Excellent video, as usual.

[@deeps2169]

Hit the notification quicker than Stuart Hogg’s hair ‘grew’ back

[@xxwales15xx33]

This is their strongest squad ever and I think they have a reasonable chance. It wouldn't be a world cup without 1 major upset

[@barrypower6822]

lol no chance

[@xxwales15xx33]

@@barrypower6822 and whys that?

[@keirlamont2806]

@@barrypower6822you’re under every comment striking down Scotland’s chances. We get it bro you have an agenda. Try not to look so pathetic while doing it

[@keirlamont2806]

Unfortunately for Scotland I think that 1 obligatory upset will likely come in wales’ group

[@RubyDoobieScoo]

@@keirlamont2806 are you saying that Australia will beat Georgia?

[@GRB-tj6uj]

The thing is that group games in the RWC are unique because you have years to prepare for them (something Townsend apparently forgot 4 years ago so he definitely knows it now). Normally Ireland and South Africa are the better teams but if you have months to train specific game plans for those games it evens out the odds a lot. Japan and Uruguay have showed this in recent world cups. And especially the Springboks are not particulary good at adapting if you throw something new at them (because most of the time their forwards are busy steamrolling your forwards)

[@joatmofa0405]

True!

[@falkkiwiben]

To be fair, wasn't Townsend very new in the role at the time?

[@gordon1545]

You've hit on literally my only hope for Scotland - that they catch South Africa cold, in a match they're not fully prepared for, while they've got one eye on bigger challenges to come against Ireland and France/ NZ. If South Africa don't have their defence right against Scotland, they lose. But if they do, I'm afraid Scotland have no chance. And if Scotland need to beat Ireland to progress, it's over.

[@Amanzi379]

If you look at the springbok world cup record, they have the best results, so they are very adaptable?

[@muzintombela8257]

Its works both ways. Believe me, the game against the Scotts is the main game for the springboks. They know if they win that one they are through to the QTs. They have been planning for the same game for 4 years as well. Out of all the the teams in the world cup, the spring books are the only team that should not be taken for granted. In 2015 they lost to Japan but ended up on the SFs and lost to New Zealand by 2 points. Last world cup the lost to New Zealand and ended up winning the whole thing. They are the best team when it's comes to the world cups.

[@muskateer1713]

Excellent use of modelling tools to explain the game play. Scotland are such a dangerous underdog. Best wishes to them.

[@melishek0001]

Scotlands backs behind a better pack would be scary but i feel SA and Ireland will squeeze the possibilities.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

Yea from an ireland fan I don't think they will get hammered by us or the Boks but I predict wins for both teams against Scotland they will play really well for a good chunk of the game but will make some mistakes overtime

[@KatzenjammerFuu]

@@kurtpunchesthings2411 We don't have the bench that the Irish or South Africans have so come 60 minutes we just fall apart. Hopefully the injuries that the South Africans have suffered might mitigate that a bit but it'll defos be close.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

yea in the last decade that's been the huge thing for Scotland they can play competitive for much of a match but once you hit 60 minutes the lack of a Bench kills Scotland because no offense most of the Ireland Bench is better then most of the Scotland starters @@KatzenjammerFuu

[@purple_rose7477]

Great video thanks again. I always love that hope and pride i get when I see videos like these and love the in depth analysis of players and play. I do think we have a (slim!) chance against SA but sadly not against Ireland, they seem to be able to pick up on our flaws easily. We will miss Hogg to an extent but not as much as people may think, our backs have been doing phenomenal, especially with Darcy Graham back and Hogg has been dropping form lately and injury laden. Still would've loved to see him one last time though. Thanks for mentioning Gilchrist, he really is an asset to us and a pretty underrated player, despite being VC on numerous occasions.

[@JINXRSAMobile]

You. Got a much better chance against Ireland lol not even a slim chance againdt Bokke

[@Malky24]

Kinda feel that the Irish are a wee bit too clever for us at the moment. They're such an impressive team that always seem to make the right decisions. The Boks combination of power up front with that backline is scary. That will be a brutal game and I can see injuries happening there. Also no one is mentioning a seriously talented Tongan team that is looking like it could be very dangerous with the right level of organisation. Still, it's 15 v 15 and any team can beat any other team on their day. Just getting out of that group would be almost like winning the cup for me!

[@jamesm9995]

They are far from clever, they have a rigid system and stick to it.

[@barryb90]

I'm Irish, and this group makes me nervous. Scots could very well beat us.

[@helenaville5939]

@@jamesm9995 Their style of play is anything but rigid. Most free-flowing play I've seen in years.

[@jamesm9995]

@@helenaville5939Really ? Every time Sexton gets the ball he boots it up in the air. Not exactly my idea of free flowing, but each to his own.

[@WhereIsTheIntruder]

@@jamesm9995 What matches have you seen that that is your description of Ireland's offense lol

[@seamus9750]

My 3 favorite team's in one group...ridiculous draw

[@ThomasBarthoulot]

GREAT point on the influence of lineouts

[@Malv-.-]

Great vid man love the content

[@billfitzgerald8801]

'Bigger box of tricks than a clown with a T.A.R.D.I.S' - what a terrific description!

[@Aidenost]

Squidge, your videos just make me excited for the quality footy this World Cup promises to deliver!

[@seanschulze5418]

These videos are phenomenal!

[@RoomsOversouled]

8:24 "Hair Blinkhorn" ? 😂

[@cheeseweasel69]

We always struggle against the most physical sides (i.e. Ireland and SA) as we can get a bit bullied up front, which takes away any platform for the backs who then start to force things. Also if we manage to somehow get out of this group we have to face France or NZ - not sure there would be many teams who could beat Ire, SA, NZ in a row but I will still hope......

[@zephroc9697]

Yeah it's not even 2 of the top teams, it's 2 of the top teams Scotland really struggle with. Even France above us is a bit more 50/50

[@ThomasBarthoulot]

Such a great video again Squidges thanks a lot for all your work Now I'm sure Scotland will top their pool

[@Ian-if2lf]

coupled with this vid your comment helped convince me too Scotland all the way

[@prudeuncle]

Haha good to be positive but I'm not sure how you watched this video and then felt assured Scotland will top the pool lol.

[@TheScottishVlogger]

Really enjoyed that, good work 💪

[@keiththomasgenkikeith7970]

Great video. Fingers crossed for a fantastic performance at the group stage ❤

[@GnJs6PackTraining]

Brilliant analysis! This shape just allows heads up play. Rushed? Kick. Drifts off? Short pass. Tackles? Out the back. Scotland have beautiful attacking rugby. Thanks for explaining why! This is a super tough pool!

[@yannisleroux9942]

Best review so far!! That was prime Squidge

[@mattcampbell5423]

Im a realist and understand our chances of escaping the group are slim. But what I'm also sure about is that we are the 3rd group team that no one wanted. Both Ireland and SA will know we're more than capable of beating them if they're not fully firing.

[@leeofdoom4452]

As a welshman I know that feeling, 2015, England AND Argentina. Noone in Wales thought wed qualify after a poor 2015 6N and autumn before... But look what happened there.

[@dannyboywhaa3146]

Mate... this is such an excellent video... I may not necessarily agree with your politic but this analysis is second to none! Bravo! 👍 this World Cup is so exciting/intriguing 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@gvz2899]

IMO the three biggest problems for Scotland are 1) they lose the physical battle when it matters most too often 2) They rely too much on DVMerwe & DGraham "it becomes predictable" 3) FRussel plays the miracle pass or play just a tad too much, we all love it when it comes off but it still is a high risk approach. High risk is not how you win a world cup final.

[@JINXRSAMobile]

4th problem is they dont have the packs to battle the Bokke in scrums etc

[@Mycloudacoustic]

Think your videos are brilliant. Love them

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

Normal people: maybe we should base the group seedings on performances in the year before the tournament? World rugby: TROLO-LOLO-LOL-LOL-LO-LO, TRO-LO-LO-LOL-LOOOOOOOOOO

[@reddwarf3d728]

Being the pessimistic Scotsman I am, I think it’s quite unlikely we will get out the group. But that being said, having watched this team develop over the years I know we will put up a fight and showcase some of the most attractive rugby on the planet. We might not win but I can guarantee Finn will put on a show 🐐

[@t3649]

Please only show up against the Boks and we’ll beat them for you too. Fair deal? 🤝🇮🇪

[@Forest9528]

Well you ain't beating the boks but just know I am rooting for you against Ireland. Scotland is by far my favorite northern hemisphere team

[@joatmofa0405]

Being the *SUPER-PESSIMISTIC* Saffa that I am, I don't expect the Boks to make the QFs. Even if they did, it would mean facing either France or the All Blacks in the QF! Pool B will have 3 contenders for 1st & 2nd place in the Pools to play in the QF : Springboks, Ireland, Scotland. Pool A will have 2 contenders for 1st & 2nd place in the pools to advance to the QF : All Blacks & France. Pool A's 1st place (NZ) will play Pool B's 2nd place (SCO) in the QF. Pool A's 2nd place (FRA) will play Pool B's 1st place (IRE) in the QF.

[@JacoJohan46664]

​@@joatmofa0405I agree, I can certainly see the Boks losing to Scotland this year. I feel they've hung on to 2019 in both players and style too long.

[@joshhunter1129]

@@t3649our game last of the group, so if this happens we’re both through anyway. And there’s no real advantage to finishing 1st or 2nd cause it’s the all blacks or France, both teams will be playing B sides 😂😂

[@ALANL4460]

Also Finn is using situations where eyes are on him to drift and create space in other areas for the rest of the team. Finn has become so good that alot of teams overcompensate when he has ball in hand

[@Natedawg38]

As long as Ireland get through, I'd love to see Scotland pull a number on sa

[@Amanzi379]

More like, keep the tradition going and Scotland does a number on Ireland and Ireland bottles it as usual in World Cup years.

[@prudeuncle]

I'd love to see Ireland choke again.

[@eoghancarpenter8546]

​@@prudeuncleNo thanks

[@johnmc3862]

​@@Amanzi379The tradition if Ireland beating Scotland you mean. 😂

[@callumcoutts2081]

I reckon Scotland, SA and Ireland beat each other rock, paper, scissors style... and Scotland still go home on bonus points and points difference 😭

[@falkkiwiben]

spot on

[@stuartronald9785]

What a total anticlimax that would be 😂

[@KatzenjammerFuu]

this is exactly what's going to happen and it's going to fucking suck lmao

[@smoozerish]

The world cup draw is an absolute disgrace and will lead to a poorer tournament.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

100% like really ? How tf did England get their Pool

[@TBoltsForever]

John DAL ZEEL - love it! great vid and analysis

[@garethmcrory5481]

Regretfully i only really got into rugby about 6 years ago and this is the best rugby channel ever. My fav players to watch are lukhanyo am, Dupont, Ntamack,Fickou & Mack Hansen..but Finn Russel tops the poll..the man is box office and i think the best 10 in world Rugby in my mind .

[@TheCosmerenaut1]

Every game South Africa plays makes me think they have more and more of a chance 😢

[@sampaoliandatealasampaolit4815]

against los pumas RSA showed that is not that strong, scotland being on a similar level with argentina makes me think scotland has a chance

[@falkkiwiben]

@@sampaoliandatealasampaolit4815 Argentina is a team that is very up and down tho. They also beat the ABs at home like only Ireland has done recently

[@WhereIsTheIntruder]

South Africa hasn't showed too much but their physicality alone always gives them a shot. I do think Scotland can beat them though

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@sampaoliandatealasampaolit4815 If you look closely enough, you will realise that that was by no means a full strength Springbok side and a number of even the starters are not going to make the RWC squad; we are doing the same again this weekend and will probably lose the match with our 14 changes to the side. This entire tournament has been about checking depth and combinations and making sure everyone plays with everyone - even those who don't make the RWC squad will be the cover for injuries, etc. I wouldn't read too much into it.

[@The_Zohan_qq]

You should take into account SA depth.. Scotland is a bit thin in the back up department

[@kennya6921]

Beautifully finished

[@ionawiener5206]

Probably worth noting that the Huiwpulotu shape isn’t just something that’s developed at Scotland. Glasgow have been running an extremely similar shape all season except with Tom Jordan or Domingo Miotti in the boot. Clearly this is something Townsend cooked up a while ago and trickled down to Glasgow so that Jones and Tuipulotu could be given time to familiarise themselves with the shape. Watch Glasgow’s game against the Stormers, there were points where they absolutely dismantled the South African side’s defence with it

[@clivegraham9586]

i'm suddenly very nervous and excited for this world cup, never felt that way before

[@Ali-gk3xy]

This feeling... do I have hope as a Scottish fan?? No, surely not...

[@iteamy]

Haha its the worst. Sometimes I remember we're pretty decent at both rugby and fitba and have to pinch myself

[@jetcity18]

We shouldn’t watch Squidge, he always makes me feel like we are unbeatable 😂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@purple_rose7477]

What is this hope you speak of? 🤔😉 I daren't........

[@abrahamtomahawk]

Sydney's proudest Scottish Tongan😂

[@conormcdonagh3973]

We used to run the “Huwipulotu” shape all the time in U18s rugby…it worked well but I doubt it’ll take long for world rugby’s best teams to figure it out

[@jamesgrimditch8476]

These videos are so so good

[@danielfarrell7478]

"Bigger box of tricks then a clown with a tardis"🤣

[@TimotheeFleury]

The Huipolutu shape reminds me a lot of what they call The Triple Option in American Football

[@philipgolding3672]

Fin Russell The Muscle' is brilliant at forward passing on the off load!

[@anthonymclaughlin9222]

Scotlands not beaten Ireland since 2017. They've got to win one eventually. It would be brutal for us if they figured us out at the world cup.

[@molloyjh]

They haven’t beaten SA since 2010. The Scots record against both teams is not good. 1 win in 20 years vs SA and 1 win against Ireland in the last 10 years (2 if you want to count the 2013 6Ns which was technically more than 10 years ago now). I’m not sure why Squidge thinks the last game vs Ireland was all that tense. It certainly was in the first half, but Scotland didn’t show up in the second and in the end (as an Irish fan) I was frustrated that we didn’t get the TBP win, because it was on.

[@MrTeamcam]

I can guarantee we won't, because if we did we would immediately lose to a far worse team, and we're playing you guys last.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

Yea ireland we used to say that about the all Blacks pffft only took us 111 years

[@karl5599]

I think part of the reason we didn't get bonus was that we were missing three of our main squad on the game

[@cateym]

A lot went wrong for Ireland in the 6N match. It was unfortunate that Scotland didn't capitalise on it. I feel if FR had kicked the penalty before half time instead of kicking for the corner, they might possibly have caused an upset.

[@gandigooglegandigoogle7202]

franchement, j'aimerais bien que l'Ecosse arrive en finale lors de la coupe du monde avec la France! cela célèbrerait l'Auld Alliance, ce serait une fête:) de plus l'Ecosse a énormément progressé ces dernieres années et ce serait un trés bon match a voir !

[@royphair9676]

It's a team at its peak the biggest issue for Scotland is quality in depth ie injuries and subs during games

[@Samizouza]

After watching their warmup against France, Scotland may be a feisty one putting Ireland and the Springboks on notice.

[@ruod5921]

Its very difficult to see Scotland coming through the group, just looking at how the fixtures are lined up.

[@mrh6221]

Always love when Squidge pretends 🦶ball doesn’t exist 😂

[@nicolasalfonsoflorio9294]

lavanini joke really caught me off guard. 🤣

[@london_to_the_bay]

Alot to be said for time in the saddle together.. combinations, combinations combinations... becomes instinctive

[@raymondhorn8041]

Let's just wait and see. But I love how most people don't see the springboks as a threat really

[@SiwanBouss]

Great video, you just missed a huge scottish player, Steven Seagull the gull from Edinburgh, was huge last week against Italy.

[@gondil07]

He was both steadfast and unmoving while also flying all over the pitch, an absolutely incredible performance!

[@charlottescott7150]

Love the Scottish attack and the Finn-Huwipolotu axis

[@kelldub78]

Tuipulotu has skills that are absolute diabolical

[@iteamy]

Scot here. Absolutely shiting it for the World Cup but this has, yet again, made me believe we've got every chance! (Dalziel is pronounced "D.L." btw)

[@sumboi2321]

As a Scot, the biggest issue around Hogg was that he’s been battling injuries for years now. Even if he was still playing, I can’t help but feel he’d be miles out of form

[@Caledon1893]

Think the antics at the common riding are the real issue to be honest.

[@speak_your_truth.]

​@@Caledon1893or maybe not 🤡

[@gordon1545]

Agreed. Truth is, over the past year or two, he's arguably been our least important starting back. White, Finn, Sione, Jones, Darcy and Duhan have all contributed more. I wish we'd got to see a fit Stuart Hogg right to the end of his career.

[@conorharris2451]

Hogg was a great player but he might have passed his best

[@powerbite92]

Hogg said back in April that he was no longer capable of doing a simple bodyweight squat ie: squat up and down like a normal person. No wonder his form had dipped in the last couple of years or so. Personally, in the last season, I felt relieved whenever he got replaced as Kinghorn was better. Sad to say, but we wont miss Hogg - Squidge is well wide of the mark on that one.

[@jonathanstewart8106]

i feel like playing a game where both side only have 14 men (The france game) is like giving a man of Finns skill an all you can eat free for all. He already see space probably better than anyone (sure theres debate but hes World class at it) when theres 15 men on the field. 1 body down and he was playing with house money and it was a lot of fun

[@darren806]

Finn Russell playing with house money is one of the most enjoyable things to watch in the world 😅

[@ShaamoneHeeHee]

Unfortunately not, we may run both Ireland and SA close for large parts of the games but ultimately we will fall short and probably be beaten by a margin of 10 to 20 points in each game. We are just not quite good enough although we are an exciting team to watch.

[@brucey_le_shark3324]

I wish I was that confident against Scotland, you guys are lethal and are flourishing at the moment. Ireland have so much pressure on them to get past the 1/4 finals. We may focus on that more than the job in hand against you boys.

[@ShaamoneHeeHee]

@@brucey_le_shark3324 what ever happens I'm sure these games between Ireland, SA and Scotland will produce some magical moments

[@sumboi2321]

Yeah it wouldn’t be a Scottish team without a huge sense of pessimism. Losing 8/8 against Ireland under Townsend is my biggest worry. That’s a huge psychological advantage for them

[@AlphaNevada123]

I think the issue is going to be that regardless of which if those three get to the QF (and even the semis), they will be absolutely exhausted before the semi finals having pummelled each other and then having to take on France or New Zealand in QF

[@ThomasBarthoulot]

You can beat SA And if I'm correct the Ireland game is the last one ? so there will be some injuries

[@lawrencenoctor2703]

Scotland is a real contender in the coming world cup. They should not fear a tough first round as an easier ride makes the shock of the second round will sting more.as an Irish suporter I know scotland are capable of beating us and in my view beating south africa as well. Theres a cutch of teams in the top ranking who at best are capable of beating anyone. Good luck to all.

[@fomofud9479]

As a Saffa I concur

[@stuarthayward4756]

capable of beating SA yes, but highly unlikely- the Boks are world cup specialists, this isn't Murrayfield and the Scottish pack will be manhandled to the point where the Scottish backs get backfoot ball, sorry, but anyone that thinks Scotland are getting out of their group is dreaming

[@Brucemcleod2345]

The Huwipolotu move is simple but brilliant

[@marantz1]

The boks are going to wreck them.

[@KevinPhilipsBong1]

"Finn throws an almost impossibly flat pass to Jones" coupled with an overhead shot. Looks like Squidge is applying to be Rassie's media advisor

[@danieljames3163]

Going into this Wc we are in better shape than 2019 tactically and physically I'd say. We have managed to build a lot of depth in the last few years which we will have to draw on. However as a Scotland fan through the banter years I will always be pessimistic about our chances lol.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

yea but like Ireland anyway are in better shape then 2019 and you could argue the same for South Africa

[@jean-michel.a]

Scotland has beaten France while being a man down today. I hope they get out of their pool during the World cup. ❤

[@benflewers707]

3:59 is Dyer quicker than LRZ?

[@jackvaughan102]

brilliant

[@Bucko92]

Great video! "king of the flash c**ts" being an absolute perfect description for Finn. Super happy with the current Scotland team and if any of the Scots teams have the ability to cause an upset its definitely this one, will be the best group to watch as all 5 teams will put on a show

[@tonyautoworkx]

watching this the day after scotland failed to turn up against the springboks, and the fuss about about that russell guy seems silly. I know he was on the field, I even spotted him a few times, but usually being smashed about the place. If you didnt know who he was you wouldnt beleive he is the scottish wizard or magician or wtf they tried to hype him up as.

[@martinbisschoff988]

As a South African Bok supporter we all know this group is a minefield. Whether Scotland goes through for me is neither here or there. One thing is for sure. Scotland plays beautiful Rugby. For me always a fantastic game to watch..

[@IcarianX]

Scotland are true wild cards. Not the favourites, but we're all well aware that they can ruin our day with a bit of organised chaos

[@maxcook4525]

this man is the rugby equivalent of an English teacher

[@Dreyno]

Finding deep meaning where the author intended none in particular and ruining it by dissecting the smallest things so you never want to see it again?

[@KMKM.S94]

Hope they do

[@ltm277]

That Romania comparison is incredible. It would be typical of the Scots to do one over the Boks in the first game and then drop against the Romanians to put themselves out of contention when they play Ireland.

[@KatzenjammerFuu]

this is literally the most Scottish thing that could possibly happen.

[@trystandavies4612]

Would you say that the "Huwuipulotu shape", allowing Russell to be a roaming playmaker, is what Pivac was trying to achieve unsuccessfully with Wales?

[@cl0udbr3ak]

I'm late to the party but I think Rassie and Jaques used your excellent analysis to plan the Scots downfall last week end. As always your content is brilliant

[@MR-tb4po]

Dalziel is pronounced Dee-el in Scotland. Good theories and great content

[@gillmore1830]

I am beginning to think that Squidgy is a springbok fan😅, you just gave us the Huwipulotu, i love you bro, maybe the boks can actually do a back to back 😂

[@adamdwyer776]

Who’s got the better schedule as in do any of the three teams have to play the others back to back

[@christopherboertje8190]

Scotland need to adopt the Eddie Jones Japan approach - target a game against Ireland or SA and go for it. A good tactical kicking game (like the All Blacks did against the Boks two weeks ago) backed up with lineout dominance (which the Scots are capable of) gives a platform to score points. Scotland doesn't need to score a ton of points, just one more than the opposition. Best of luck from a Saffa

[@joatmofa0405]

Good advice - Scotland just has to beat one of the two : SA or IRE! After that will be either NZ or FRA in the QF.

[@leeofdoom4452]

1. Scotlqnds lineout isnt particularly bad, but SA and irelands set peice is superb. 2. Scotlqnd could beat SA or Ireland, and still go out.

[@prudeuncle]

​@@leeofdoom4452I'm a SA fan and have to say boks set piece hasn't been looking that strong at all in the last few games. Although I'm sure they will come right when the tournament starts. I hope.

[@leeofdoom4452]

@@prudeuncle it wasnt great against NZ but then what would you expect, both starting locks and hooker were sent to NZ before the squad, so didnt play and get the rust off or even train with the squad. 2nd half ot got better after they blew the cobwebs off

[@prudeuncle]

@@leeofdoom4452 I've been a bit disheartened by recent performances but I still believe Rassie has a plan and I see they are swapping around players building squad depth and versatility. I just hope it doesn't come round to biting us in the arse. Although I think it's unlikely we lose to Scotland.

[@Villafarrell]

I believe a Hoggless Scotland will still go full hogg ahead into the quarterfinals in RWC!! (They can likely tire out an aging Boks team)

[@kumquat4543]

You're more likely to beat Ireland to be honest

[@sumboi2321]

@@kumquat4543we’re not, Ireland have been laughing at us for years now

[@awciproperty1936]

Aging boks team? I'll come back here to laugh at you😂

[@rawclipsandcrashes8413]

@@awciproperty1936when Scotland pull it out of the bag and beat SA il come back to this

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

​@@kumquat4543really ? No offense but in modern rugby Scotland have been irelands Bitch 21st century Scotland 6 Wins all comps Ireland 24 ..... Oh did I forget to mention ireland have won the last 8 consecutive games against Scotland

[@jayfarthing]

Thanks for reminding me how much I enjoy watching Scotland attack. (except when they're playing England...!)

[@x2_james973]

Great vid. I feel Scotland are more likely to beat South Africa if they are going to beat either Ireland or South Africa. The way Scotland are playing now is exciting full of fabulous backs and great moves, I think this is the best Scotland team for a while

[@christiaan2182]

I honestly feel it's the other way around. Scotland has always struggled against South Africa

[@sbok9481]

😂😂😂 I had the same dream. Then I woke up to reality.

[@Trajan2401]

​​@@christiaan2182same with Japan until 2015

[@christiaan2182]

@@Trajan2401 South Africa still beat Scotland that year though...

[@notenoughstones3873]

Hmmmm after that NZ game I think the odds of that happening have just shrunk quite a bit. SA looks like they are kicking it up a gear as the World Cup starts so I fear it may be a rough first game for Scotland. Looking like Ireland game is a better bet especially considering their bodies will be battered after the SA game.

[@billyjoelization]

That impossibly flat pass at 11:42, when you reference it to the 5m line, is clearly forward. Put your play speed at 0.25 and check, it gives you the time to see where the ball leaves and arrives in hands in reference to the big rectangle. I did a very quick mafs and that ball is a total of 20.4cm forward. Is there a limit to how far forward a pass is allowed to be before it is penalised? I am genuinely asking because I haven't gone out of my way to watch rugby in the last 15 years, and I understand that rules will be added and/or adjusted over time.

[@ghostguin1398]

I feel like the pass at 11.43 is imossible flat because it's forward