Fast Facts:
Players: 104,142
RWC Results: Fourth 1991, Quarters: 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, Third in Pool: 2011
IRB World Ranking: 8th with 77.75 points
Best Result 2014: Vs. Argentina 21-19
Coach: Vern Cotter Captian: Kelly Brown
Martin Abegglen
Culture
Scotland currently has 104,142 rugby players in 251 different clubs. Much like her fellow British nations, Scotland was one of the first countries in the world to adopt rugby, as the sport spread quickly over the border from England. It was not long afterwards in 1870 that a Scottish team was formed, and sent a challenge to their rivals in England. Scotland won that match and proceeded to have a history of success in the sport in its early stages, the sport was very popular in Scotland and inspired a great fan base. However, in modern times the sport is not doing as well. The Scottish fans are still as passionate as ever, although the sport is not as popular as its rival soccer. This is due to rugby's roots, the sport is played by most schools in the nation, although is only really popular with upper class societies. There is a large wealth gap between the Scottish and their neighbours in England. Scotland's GDP per capita being (US$) 27,788 compared to England's (US$) 50,566. This is due to the job options in Scotland compared to that of their English brethren. Although the Scottish rugby union is advertising the sport for all Scotsman the sport continues to be more popular in that of upper class society.
Play Style
Similar to their English neighbours, Scotland play a defined game of rugby where the forwards do the physical work and the backs execute. However where the Scottish do differentiate is in the back row, the Scots have a very versatile back row that are not only physical, but surprisingly mobile. The Scots have a very good starting squad, although they are missing good replacements in some key positions. Furthermore there is a psychological element that the Scottish are missing. It is a very young squad and in many cases a culture is only beginning to develop. The Scottish success at this world cup will all come down to how fast the team can develop chemistry, and work as a team. The Scottish are not afraid to keep the game slow, and in are developing an ability to pick up the pace as well. However an issue in the past has been the big tests. When up against large teams the Scottish seem to play within themselves, even though they have all the talent to command a game, with a better culture being developed it will be very telling to see how the team gels come the world cup.