Wales vs Scotland Prediction: Six Nations 2022 Week Two

It's going to be a fantastic clash on the 12th of February at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and I expect a lot from both sides. Both teams will have had a lot to think about after matches against Ireland and England respectively in week one of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations, but I am hoping that this will translate to lots of ambitious, attacking rugby rather than two pensive sides hesitantly crawling around the pitch. Will Wales do enough to cling on to the Doddie Weir Cup though? Will Scotland have an answer to a determined home side? Read on for my full thoughts.

Background

There's a lot of history between these two sides. Wales and Scotland have some of the oldest national rugby teams in the world, and their games have certainly developed since their first head-to-head test in 1883. Of the two sides, Wales have shown their dominance, 74 wins to 50, but history alone does not rule out Scotland from this game. After all, a lot of Wales' wins came from their glory days, and the 1970s and '80s are becoming ever more distant memories. Scotland, too, have been showing greater promise in recent years under Gregor Townsend's leadership. I am expecting to see some fast, free-flowing rugby from both sides, so fans on either side should be excited with the spectacle.

The Advantage of Playing at Home

After travelling away to the Aviva Stadium in week one, Welsh fans will be delighted to be back at the Principality - the old Millenium Stadium. The Welsh are synonymous with rugby, and any rugby fan that has been lucky enough to experience a match in the heartland of Wales will understand the indomitable spirit of the Welsh crowd. The 16th man is going to be a big factor in this game, and it may give Wales just enough to push past Scotland after 80 minutes.

A Look at the Best of the Wales vs Scotland Squads

Wales have a solid balance of experience and youth, allowing them to keep cool under pressure whilst maintaining a disorientating pace. Let's take a look at some of the best players in the Welsh set-up, to see how they are going to fare with the visitors, Scotland.

The Best of the Wales Rugby Squad

Louis Rees-Zammit

Gloucester and Wales have found themselves a gem in the form of Welsh-Maltese winger, Rees-Zammit. With jet-fighter pace and an ability to work defenders in awkward defensive positions, he is already a superb addition to the Welsh squad, but I suspect he will only grow in talent as he gains more experience.

Dan Biggar

If you are a fan of rugby and have seen Wales play in recent years, you will know the name Dan Biggar. He has an eye for opportunity and a solid kicking boot that has made racking up 512 points in 93 tests seem like a simple task. Biggar knows how to achieve success, having won Premiership and Six Nations titles, including last year's Six Nations championship. He is an all-round player, and fans will be looking to him to lead from the front, if Wales are to beat Scotland.

Tomas Francis

Francis has been a part of the Welsh set-up since 2015. He was initially not considered for the then Six-Nations side due to back injuries, but earned his place in the squad before the last match of the tournament, against Italy. Since then, he has been a familiar face, and has been called up to the British and Irish Lions. If he makes it onto the pitch, his experience will surely help the forwards maintain sturdy form in set pieces and the break-down.

The Best of the Scotland Rugby Squad

Not to be outdone by Wales, the Scottish set-up also has some hard-hitting weapons that are at the top of club rugby. Below, I will outline the movers and shakers whom I think will be the best bet for Scotland in thwarting Wales' defence of the Doddie Weir Cup.

Duhan van der Merwe

New Worcester Warriors favourite, Van der Merwe is a 6'4 monster at the end of the back line. With experience with the Blue Bulls, Montpellier, Edinburgh, and Worcester, he has seen all facets of the game, which gives him a great insight on the wing. 45 points in 13 tests certainly speak for themselves, and shows you what a difference he can make in any game.

Finn Russell

Anybody worthy enough to be mentioned in the same sentence as Dan Carter is going to see appearances in their national side. Russell has shone for his club, Racing 92, and taken the talent he honed in the Top-14 into pushing 192 points in 57 tests for Scotland. With appearances for the British and Irish Lions to boot, Russell is a renowned fly-half who will be ever-present across every blade of grass on the pitch.

Stuart Hogg

The captain, Stuart Hogg, has to get a mention amongst the Scottish stars, both for his leadership and his playmaking abilities. 159 points in 88 tests is no mean feat, and his immense work-rate will surely mean he racks up more tries this Six Nations.

Wales vs Scotland Winner: Princes Again at the Principality

Well, I am not betting on a draw, and I have given both sides credit where it is due. I get it, get to the point! Who is going to win? Welsh fans, rejoice!

Scotland have a good side, better than they have had in years. What they lack compared to Wales, however, is the kind of dynamism that 21st century rugby teams require, if they stand any chance of battling the other giants. The Welsh have quality amongst their ranks that can play a fast attacking game that I believe will dominate a slower Scottish side. For me, Wales will easily grab a few tries and show Scotland what they are missing, invading opposition territory. Wales to win, in my eyes.