February 08, 2005

Andy defends Scotland's gameplan in Paris

Posted by Editor on February 8, 2005 10:03 PM | 7 comments | Print | E-mail author

Andy Craig has defended Scotland's emphasis on defence
Glasgow centre Andy Craig has defended Scotland's emphasis on defence during their 16-9 defeat by France in their Six Nations opener in Paris.

Scotland came within a whisker of beating the reigning champions and it was not until the final minutes before the home side edged ahead.

Although Scotland displayed undoubted tenacity in holding the French for most of the 80 minutes, questions have been asked about their ability to break out into a more expansive game.

But Andy, who returned to the international arena after a two-year absence, denied Matt Williams' side had gone into the game with a lack of attacking ambitions.

He said: "A good defensive performance can win the game on its own. If you are getting into the opposition's faces and hustling them so much that they make mistakes then obviously you will get more ball yourself.

"So we have got to take a lot of confidence in that the only French try came a couple of minutes from time and it was off a charge down.

"And I thought defensively it went well. They tried to go wide early on but I think we hassled them into making mistakes.

"Of course I would like to see more of the ball myself as I am sure Hugo Southwell would, especially as we have got two very powerful players, Sean Lamont and Simon Danielli, on the wings. It would be great if we could get them involved as well.

"But the French have a very defensive line and if you get caught running across field with the ball you are just going to get turned over.

"As the game went on it was getting so close and so tight and I suppose there was a little bit of fear of making a mistake and getting turned over.

"So you have got to stick to trying to win the game first before making it look too pretty."

Comments
Posted by hugues on February 9, 2005 09:09 AM | Reply to this comment

Scotland defended very well, except around the moving mauls.
I think, the team needs real plans for trys!
The back line is still annoyed to make a choice and not enough depth.
The game against Ireland, will tell if it's a consistent progress.
Scottish rugby has to prove again, that Murrayfield is not a tourist destination for a training.

Good luck Scotland

Posted by Big G on February 9, 2005 12:24 PM | Reply to this comment

It basically comes down to this.......
You either set out your game plan to avoid defeat....or...you set out the game plan to win the game....take your pick what Scotland did in Paris....

Posted by Alan on February 10, 2005 12:18 AM | Reply to this comment

Either way, Scotland should have won, no doubt!

Posted by Alan on February 10, 2005 12:18 AM | Reply to this comment

Either way, Scotland should have won, no doubt!

Posted by hugues on February 10, 2005 08:00 AM | Reply to this comment

I agree, Scotland should have won, and i support Scotland because i love the country, and especially Glasgow.
Next saturday we'll know if Scotland have reached the level of a top nation, they had...
I hope so!!!

Posted by Phall on February 13, 2005 12:00 PM | Reply to this comment

Well we know now. We can be a competitive side for te

Posted by Highlandbrave75 on February 13, 2005 05:24 PM | Reply to this comment

Scotland need to cut out turning the ball over so much. Turn the ball over, go on the backfoot, put yourself under pressure.

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